President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Africa’s agricultural sector through large-scale fertiliser investments, declaring that the continent possesses the capacity to feed itself and emerge as a major exporter of agricultural products.
Dangote made the remarks while addressing journalists in Gode, located in Ethiopia’s Somali region, during a visit hosted by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed.
Speaking on the role of fertiliser in improving agricultural productivity, Dangote said Africa’s persistent food insecurity challenges are largely linked to inadequate access to critical farming inputs, particularly fertiliser.
He noted that despite Africa’s vast agricultural potential, millions across the continent still face food shortages due to low productivity and limited industrial support for farmers.
According to him, the Dangote Group’s fertiliser investments are aimed at reversing the trend by improving yields, empowering farmers, and strengthening the continent’s path toward food self-sufficiency.
Dangote stressed that Africa not only has the capacity to meet its own food demands but can also become a major supplier of agricultural products to the global market if strategic investments in fertiliser production and agricultural infrastructure are sustained.
He also announced a major expansion of the Group’s investment footprint in Ethiopia, revealing that the company’s total declared and signed investments in the country have risen from $2.5 billion to over $4 billion.
The expanded investment package includes the development of a 110-kilometre pipeline, a 120-megawatt power plant, a polypropylene packaging facility, and a two-million-tonne NPK fertiliser blending plant, alongside other industrial components.
Dangote described Ethiopia as one of the Group’s most strategic investment destinations on the continent, noting that the country now accounts for nearly nine per cent of the company’s planned African investments between now and 2030.
He further praised Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, describing his administration’s economic transformation agenda as ambitious and impactful.
According to Dangote, sustainable development across Africa will require stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector, adding that the Group remains committed to supporting Ethiopia’s industrial and economic growth aspirations.
Responding, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described Dangote as a trusted development partner and commended the pace of work on the fertiliser project, noting that it aligns with Ethiopia’s broader economic priorities.
The Ethiopian leader said the project would significantly strengthen domestic fertiliser production, reduce reliance on imports, and provide critical support to millions of farmers across the country.
He added that the investment would create extensive employment opportunities, deepen the industrial value chain, and reinforce Ethiopia’s position as a growing agro-industrial hub in Africa.
Ahmed also noted that partnerships between governments and major private sector investors remain critical to accelerating economic growth, attracting further investments, and improving livelihoods across the continent.
The Dangote fertiliser initiative is widely regarded as a major step toward reshaping Africa’s agricultural landscape by boosting productivity, reducing import dependence, and driving inclusive economic growth.
