Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest entrepreneur and head of the Dangote Group, has officially begun construction on a 2.5 billion dollar fertilizer plant in Gode, Ethiopia. This ambitious facility is expected to produce three million metric tons of urea annually, making it one of the largest fertilizer complexes in the world and positioning Ethiopia as a major hub for fertilizer production in Africa.
The project is a joint venture, with Dangote Group holding a 60 percent stake and Ethiopia holding 40 percent. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the initiative as a symbol of cooperation, peace, and Ethiopia’s increasing presence on the global stage. He emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in ensuring the project’s success and long-term impact on the nation’s agricultural sector.
The plant will use natural gas from Ethiopia’s Hilal and Calub reserves, which will fuel production and help reduce reliance on imported fertilizers. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate local economies, while also enhancing Ethiopia’s capacity to meet domestic and regional agricultural demands.
Dangote Group leadership expressed confidence that this investment will help Ethiopia become Africa’s leading agricultural nation within the next five years, driving food security and industrial growth across the continent. The facility represents a major step toward industrialization, modernization of agriculture, and sustainable economic development in Ethiopia.
