President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has restated his commitment to improving food security across Africa through massive investments in fertiliser production and agricultural infrastructure.
Dangote made the statement during a visit to Gode in Ethiopia’s Somali region where he was hosted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The Prime Minister personally accompanied him to inspect the site of a proposed fertiliser plant currently under construction.
Speaking during the visit, Dangote said Africa possesses enormous agricultural potential but continues to struggle with food insecurity because of limited access to fertiliser and other critical farming inputs. According to him, increased investment in fertiliser production will help boost agricultural productivity, empower farmers, and reduce the continent’s dependence on food imports.
He stressed that Africa has the capacity not only to feed itself but also to become a major exporter of agricultural products if governments and private investors continue to support the sector.
Dangote also disclosed that the Dangote Group has increased its total investment in Ethiopia from $2.5 billion to more than $4 billion. The expanded investment includes the construction of a 110 kilometre pipeline, a 120 megawatt power plant, a polypropylene packaging facility, and a two million tonne NPK blending plant.
According to him, Ethiopia remains one of the company’s most strategic investment destinations in Africa and now accounts for nearly nine percent of Dangote Group’s planned continental investments through 2030.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed praised Dangote’s investment drive and described the fertiliser project as a major step toward strengthening Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. He noted that the project would reduce dependence on imported fertiliser, create jobs, support local farmers, and strengthen the country’s industrial value chain.
Industry analysts believe the fertiliser initiative could significantly improve agricultural output across Africa while helping to address food shortages and rising food prices on the continent.
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