Dangote Group has entered into a $2.5 billion agreement with Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) to build a state-of-the-art fertiliser plant aimed at cutting the country’s dependence on imports and transforming its agriculture sector.
Under the terms of the deal, EIH will hold a 40% stake in the project while Dangote Group will retain 60%. The plant will be situated in Gode, Somali Regional State, and is expected to significantly enhance Ethiopia’s self-sufficiency in fertiliser production.
The investment is part of Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s goal to reduce Africa’s reliance on imported fertiliser and strengthen the continent’s food security.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in a post on X, said the facility will have the capacity to produce up to 3 million metric tons of fertiliser annually, placing Ethiopia among the world’s largest producers.
“This project will create jobs locally, ensure a reliable fertiliser supply for our farmers who have long faced challenges, and mark a decisive step in our path to food sovereignty,” he stated. “It strengthens Ethiopia’s competitiveness across the continent and reflects our commitment to executing strategic investments that serve our people and our future.”
Dr. Brook Taye, CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, added that the project aligns with the country’s national development priorities.
He emphasised that it will drive agricultural productivity, ensure energy security, deliver value to farmers, and establish Ethiopia as a regional hub for fertiliser production.