Dangote Supercharges $4 Billion Fertilizer Project in Ethiopia
African industrial giant Aliko Dangote has significantly scaled up his commitment to Ethiopia, raising investment in a major fertilizer plant to approximately $4 billion.
Located in the Somali Region, the ambitious project is set to become East Africa’s largest fertilizer production facility upon completion. This expansion reflects Dangote’s growing confidence in the country’s potential and marks a transformative step for regional agriculture and industrial development.
The upgraded initiative now goes far beyond fertilizer manufacturing. It incorporates vital power infrastructure, a 108-kilometre natural gas pipeline from the Ogaden Basin, and a long-term 25-year gas supply agreement with China’s GCL Group. Developed in partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings, the project aims to harness local resources efficiently while building supporting energy systems that will benefit surrounding communities and industries.
Once operational, the plant is projected to produce up to 3 million tons of urea annually by 2029. This massive output is expected to sharply reduce Ethiopia’s and the wider East African region’s dependence on imported fertilizers. By making essential farm inputs more affordable and readily available, the facility should drive higher agricultural yields and strengthen food security for millions across the region.
The Dangote fertilizer project represents a bold vote of confidence in Ethiopia’s future and a model for large-scale industrial investment in Africa. It promises not only economic growth through job creation and technology transfer but also a more self-reliant agricultural sector. As the project advances, it stands to play a pivotal role in transforming food production and supporting sustainable development across East Africa.
