In a major boost to Africa’s agricultural and industrial development, several African leaders and dignitaries on Saturday converged in Gode, Somali Region of Ethiopia, for the groundbreaking ceremony of the $2.5 billion Dangote Gode Fertiliser Plant, a landmark investment by the Dangote Group.
The high-profile event was attended by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Nigerian industrialist and Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, as well as key government officials, diplomats, and business leaders from across the continent.
The new fertiliser plant — one of the largest of its kind in East Africa — is expected to produce up to 2.8 million metric tonnes of urea and ammonia fertiliser annually, significantly reducing Ethiopia’s reliance on imports and strengthening food production capacity in the Horn of Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the project as “a transformative investment that will not only meet Ethiopia’s domestic agricultural needs but also serve as a strategic export hub for the region.”
He commended Aliko Dangote for his “unwavering commitment to Africa’s industrialisation and intra-African trade,” adding that the project aligns with Ethiopia’s national goals of economic diversification and self-sufficiency in fertiliser production.
In his remarks, Dangote said the investment was part of the group’s broader vision to support Africa’s agricultural revolution through improved access to affordable fertilisers and to help boost the continent’s food security.
“Africa holds 60 percent of the world’s arable land, yet we remain a net importer of food. This must change. Our investment in Ethiopia is a step towards unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential and creating sustainable prosperity,” Dangote stated.
Construction of the facility, to be executed in partnership with the Ethiopian Investment Holdings and supported by international financiers, is expected to create over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction and operational phases.
The Gode Fertiliser Plant joins Dangote’s expanding portfolio of large-scale industrial projects across Africa, including the Dangote Refinery and Fertiliser Complex in Nigeria, which is currently the continent’s largest petrochemical and fertiliser operation.
Analysts say the new project underscores Ethiopia’s growing appeal as an investment destination and reinforces the role of private-sector partnerships in driving Africa’s industrial and agricultural growth.
