A new $2.5 billion fertiliser complex under development in Gode, Ethiopia, is set to significantly boost agricultural productivity, strengthen intra-African trade and create jobs, as part of a broader industrial expansion drive by the Dangote Group.
The urea fertiliser plant, with a projected production capacity of three million metric tonnes per annum, is being developed in partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings. The project is designed to support food production across East Africa while positioning Ethiopia as a key exporter of fertiliser within the continent.
Speaking during Dangote Special Day at the 15th Gateway Trade Fair organised by the Ogun Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) in Abeokuta, the Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Dangote Group, Fatima Aliko-Dangote, said the investment reflects the company’s continent-wide commitment to food security and industrialisation.
Represented by Tunde Mabogunje, Regional Sales Director, Lagos, she explained that the fertiliser complex would not only enhance farm yields but also reduce Africa’s reliance on imported agricultural inputs, conserve foreign exchange and improve the competitiveness of local farmers.
According to her, the initiative aligns with the Group’s Vision 2030 strategy—an enterprise-wide roadmap aimed at accelerating industrial expansion, promoting cross-border investments and cutting import dependence in strategic sectors.
Economic Gains for Africa
The fertiliser plant is expected to deliver wide-ranging economic benefits. By increasing the availability of affordable urea, African farmers could achieve higher crop yields, stabilise food supply chains and reduce food inflation pressures. Improved agricultural productivity would, in turn, stimulate agro-processing industries, expand export earnings and strengthen rural economies.
In addition, large-scale industrial projects such as the Gode fertiliser complex are projected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities across construction, logistics, distribution and ancillary services. The development also reinforces regional trade integration under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), by enabling cross-border supply of critical agricultural inputs.
Aliko-Dangote noted that policy consistency combined with private sector execution remains essential for sustained competitiveness, job creation and wealth generation across African economies.
Broader Industrial Footprint
Beyond Ethiopia, the conglomerate continues to scale up investments in Nigeria’s industrial landscape, particularly in Ogun State, described as a strategic manufacturing hub.
In the cement sector, the state hosts the Ibese plant with an installed capacity of 12 million metric tonnes per annum, supporting domestic supply, exports and employment. Construction is also ongoing on a new six million metric tonnes per annum integrated cement plant in Itori, expected to deepen supply chain linkages and boost exports to West Africa.
In the energy sector, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has unveiled plans to expand refining capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day within three years. The proposed expansion is aimed at strengthening regional energy security, reducing fuel imports and stimulating allied industries, including petrochemicals and polypropylene manufacturing.
Impact on People and Communities
The group emphasised that its investments are anchored on long-term sustainability—prioritising local capacity building, technology transfer and youth empowerment. By equipping young Africans with technical and vocational skills, the company said it is preparing the workforce for emerging opportunities in manufacturing, energy and agribusiness.
Such large-scale projects are also expected to improve living standards through job creation, infrastructure development and expanded market access for small and medium-scale enterprises.
Chairman of OGUNCCIMA, Niyi Oshiyemi, described Dangote’s continued participation in the Gateway Trade Fair as a demonstration of the power of public-private collaboration in driving economic diversification and infrastructure growth. He noted that the company’s presence serves as inspiration for entrepreneurs and investors seeking to build sustainable enterprises.
As Africa grapples with food security challenges, foreign exchange pressures and industrial gaps, the Gode fertiliser project and related investments signal a strategic shift toward self-sufficiency, regional value chains and inclusive economic growth—positioning the continent for stronger competitiveness in the global economy.