Africa’s leading industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has officially broken ground on a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Gode, Ethiopia, marking a major milestone in the country’s drive for agricultural transformation and regional food security.
The project, a collaboration between Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings, is designed to produce three million metric tonnes of urea annually, positioning it among the largest fertiliser complexes in the world. Strategically located in Ethiopia’s South-East, it will harness natural gas from the Hilal and Calub reserves to power production, while creating thousands of jobs and supporting farmers across the Horn of Africa.
At the ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the project as a symbol of cooperation, progress, and peace, noting that it reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to building partnerships that drive growth and global competitiveness. He urged citizens to stay united in advancing the nation’s development goals.
Dangote, in his remarks, applauded the Ethiopian government’s economic reforms and infrastructure expansion, describing the country as one of Africa’s most promising investment destinations. He said the partnership represents a shared vision to industrialise Africa and strengthen food systems across the continent.
“This venture will play a vital role in reshaping Africa’s agricultural landscape,” he said. “With our experience in large-scale industrialisation, we aim to make this project a foundation for Ethiopia’s industrial growth.”
He revealed that the Gode facility is just the beginning, with future expansion plans to produce other fertiliser types such as ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, NPK, and calcium ammonium nitrate. Within five years, Dangote projected that Ethiopia could emerge as Africa’s agricultural powerhouse.
The business mogul also noted that this is Dangote Group’s second major investment in Ethiopia, following the successful operation of its cement plant in Mugher, which has contributed significantly to the nation’s construction and industrial sectors.
Expressing pride in Africa’s potential, Dangote reaffirmed his long-held belief that the continent’s progress lies in the hands of its people. “We understand Africa—its challenges, its strengths, and its future. Only Africans can truly transform Africa,” he said.
The President of the Somali Region, Mustafa Omar, hailed Dangote as a trusted investor and a key partner in Ethiopia’s industrial growth, describing the project as a turning point in the country’s economic journey.
According to Zoyols Blog, the Gode fertiliser plant stands as a bold step toward sustainable industrialisation one that not only strengthens Ethiopia’s economy but also reinforces Africa’s collective pursuit of self-reliance and prosperity.
