The Dangote Group has begun constructing a $2.5 billion fertilizer plant in Gode, Ethiopia, in partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings. The project will produce three million metric tonnes of urea annually, making it one of the world’s largest fertilizer complexes.
Located in southeastern Ethiopia, the facility will use natural gas from the Hilal and Calub reserves to strengthen food security, create jobs, and boost agriculture across the Horn of Africa.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the project as a symbol of peace, collaboration, and Ethiopia’s growing global influence.
“They embody our shared responsibility to harness opportunities, strengthen cooperation, and promote peace. Hence, I call upon all Ethiopians to continue mobilising in unity for progress.
“By doing so, we elevate Ethiopia’s presence on the global stage in a way that honours the true spirit of our Ethiopian identity,” Abiy said.
Aliko Dangote praised Ethiopia’s government for reforms and infrastructure investments, saying they created a solid foundation for the country’s industrialization.
“This partnership represents a pivotal moment in our shared vision to industrialise Africa and achieve food security,” Dangote said.
“We are committed to bringing our decades of experience in large-scale industrial projects to ensure this venture becomes a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s industrial transformation.”
He explained that the Gode plant marks the beginning of a broader plan to expand into producing other fertilizer types. Dangote predicted that Ethiopia could become Africa’s most productive agricultural nation within five years.
The Gode project is the group’s second major investment in Ethiopia after its 2.5 Mtpa cement plant in Mugher. Across Africa, Dangote’s initiatives aim to promote industrial growth and economic self-sufficiency.
“We’ve moved from import dependence to exporting cement, fertilizer, and petroleum products,” Dangote said. “Only Africans can truly transform Africa.”
Regional President Mustafa Omar called Dangote “Ethiopia’s anchor investor,” while Dr. Umaru Kwairanga praised Ethiopia for strengthening economic ties with Nigeria.
