Dangote to triple fertiliser output, begins $2.5bn Ethiopia plant

The Dangote Group has announced a wave of major technical partnerships aimed at propelling a sweeping expansion of its fertiliser operations in Nigeria and supporting the development of a new multi-billion-dollar fertiliser plant in Ethiopia.

A statement issued by the management on Thursday announced the development. The conglomerate said the new agreements would enable it to triple Nigeria’s urea production capacity from three million metric tonnes to nine million metric tonnes annually, positioning the country as a leading fertiliser hub for African and global markets.

Under the plan, Dangote’s existing two-train fertiliser complex in Lagos, which currently produces three million metric tonnes of urea yearly, will be expanded with four additional production trains, raising output to meet rising demand from farmers, agro-dealers, and international off-takers.

This development comes just two days after the group selected US-based Honeywell as its strategic partner to support its push to double capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028.

The statement read, “Dangote Group is pleased to announce a series of strategic technical partnerships to support the next phase of expansion of its fertiliser operations in Nigeria, as well as the development of new fertiliser plants in Ethiopia. These collaborations mark a significant step in our long-term plan to strengthen regional food security, enhance agricultural productivity, and deepen Africa’s position in the global fertiliser market.

“Through these strategic partnerships, Dangote Group will increase its urea production capacity in Nigeria from the current three million metric tons to nine million metric tons annually. The existing facility operates two trains with a combined capacity of three million metric tons. The expansion will introduce four additional trains, enabling the Group to meet the rising demand for high-quality fertiliser across Africa and global markets.”

Beyond Nigeria, the Group has also commenced work on a massive $2.5bn fertiliser project in Gode, Ethiopia, designed to produce another three million metric tonnes of urea annually. The project underscores Dangote’s long-term ambition to support food security, cut Africa’s import dependence, and build resilience against global fertiliser price shocks.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held recently, marking a strategic push by the Group to deepen its continental footprint after the successful rollout of its Nigerian operations. To deliver the expansions to world-class standards, Dangote finalised technical partnership agreements with four leading global engineering and technology companies, including Topsoe, Saipem, Thyssenkrupp/UFT, and Engineers India Limited.

Topsoe will provide ammonia technology licensing and full process design packages for six ammonia plants, four in Nigeria and two in Ethiopia. The Danish company is renowned for advanced low-emission ammonia technology widely used in top fertiliser facilities.

Italian engineering giant Saipem will supply technology licensing and design packages for urea melt units in all six plants, bringing decades of fertiliser engineering expertise into the project.

Germany’s Thyssenkrupp, through its UFT division, will provide the granulation technology for the six plants, ensuring the production of premium-grade urea granules suitable for both local and export markets.

Engineers India Limited has been appointed project management consultant for the four new fertiliser trains in Lekki, overseeing engineering, procurement, and construction management. Dangote Group said the expansion reflects its commitment to building robust industrial capacity and strengthening agricultural value chains across Africa.

“These partnerships reflect Dangote Group’s commitment to delivering high-quality industrial assets that meet the most rigorous global standards. The planned expansion will significantly increase regional urea and ammonia production capacity, create new jobs, support agricultural value chains, and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and across the continent.

“Dangote Group remains fully dedicated to building resilient industrial capacity, supporting national development priorities, and forging strong global collaborations that advance Africa’s long-term prosperity,” the group concluded.

Africa currently consumes less than 20 per cent of the fertiliser required to support optimal crop yields due to inadequate production, high prices, and supply chain disruptions. Nigeria’s Dangote Fertiliser facility, the largest in Africa, has been central to reversing this trend, already exporting to Brazil, Mexico, and key West African markets.

With the new expansion, Nigeria is poised to become one of the top global urea producers, strengthening food production capacity at a time when climate pressures and geopolitical conflicts are reshaping global agricultural supply chains.