Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote paid a working visit to Ethiopia at the weekend as part of ongoing efforts to expand the Dangote Group’s investments in the country, particularly the proposed establishment of a major urea fertilizer production facility in Gode.

The Ethiopian government and the Dangote Group have signed a $2.5 billion agreement to build a major fertilizer plant in Ethiopia’s Somali region. The facility is expected to produce 3 million metric tonnes of urea annually.

The project is a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in fertilizer production and establish the country as a key exporter in the region.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described food security as a “strategic intervention,” highlighting the importance of the partnership with the Dangote Group.

Abiy said the initiative reflects a shared vision between Ethiopia and Africa’s leading industrialist.

“Our interest is to have him in many areas because he’s delivering. As a government, we want to support him and realize our common vision. It’s a win-win for both of us,” the Prime Minister stated.

He expressed strong confidence in the long-term benefits of the partnership, noting that both Ethiopia and the Dangote Group stand to gain significantly from the investment.

Dangote Group has raised its total investment commitment in Ethiopia to over $4 billion, following an expansion of the infrastructure plan tied to its flagship fertilizer project.

The enhanced investment package includes a 110-kilometer pipeline, a 120-megawatt power plant, a polypropylene packaging facility, and a two-million-tonne NPK fertilizer blending plant.

According to the company, Ethiopia has emerged as one of Dangote Group’s most important investment destinations on the continent.

“So in totality, our own investment so far declared, agreed, and signed off is over $4 billion in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is actually the second largest receiver of our investments,” he said.

The project is expected to significantly boost fertilizer availability in Ethiopia and across neighboring markets, while advancing the government’s goals for food security and industrial development.