President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has reiterated his commitment to strengthening food security across Africa through massive investments in fertiliser production, saying the continent has the potential to feed itself and export agricultural products globally.
Dangote made the remarks while speaking with journalists in Gode, located in Ethiopia’s Somali region, during an official visit hosted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The Prime Minister personally accompanied him to inspect the site of the proposed fertiliser plant, where construction has already commenced.
According to Dangote, Africa’s persistent food insecurity is largely linked to inadequate access to fertiliser and other key agricultural inputs needed to improve productivity.
He stated that the Group’s investments are aimed at changing the narrative by supporting farmers, increasing agricultural output, and promoting sustainable food self-sufficiency across the continent.
Dangote stressed that Africa possesses enormous agricultural potential and can become self-reliant in food production with consistent investment in fertiliser manufacturing and critical agricultural infrastructure.
He also disclosed that the Group has increased its investment in Ethiopia from $2.5 billion to more than $4 billion. The expanded investment portfolio includes the construction of a 110-kilometre pipeline, a 120MW power plant, a polypropylene packaging facility, and a two-million-tonne NPK blending plant, among other projects.
Describing Ethiopia as a strategic investment destination, Dangote revealed that the country has now become the second-largest recipient of the Group’s investments in Africa, accounting for nearly nine per cent of its continental investments projected up to 2030.
The billionaire businessman further praised Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his developmental vision and economic reforms, noting that strong collaboration between governments and the private sector remains essential for sustainable growth.
Dangote added that the partnership with Ethiopia reflects the Group’s confidence in the country’s economic future and its ambition to help build one of Africa’s leading economies in the next decade.
In his response, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described Dangote as a reliable development partner and commended the rapid progress recorded on the fertiliser project.
The Ethiopian leader noted that the project would help boost local fertiliser production, reduce dependence on imports, and support millions of farmers across the country.
He added that the initiative would also create jobs, strengthen Ethiopia’s industrial value chain, and further position the country as a growing agro-industrial hub in Africa.
Abiy Ahmed emphasised that large-scale investments of this nature highlight the importance of strong partnerships between governments and private investors in driving economic growth and improving citizens’ livelihoods.
The Dangote fertiliser project is expected to play a major role in transforming Africa’s agricultural sector by increasing productivity, reducing import dependence, and promoting inclusive economic development across the continent.
