SAT OCT 04 2025-theGBJournal| The Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Thursday performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the $2.5 billion Dangote Gode Fertiliser Plant in Gode, Ethiopia.
Abiy Ahmed performed the ceremony alongside Chairman, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, Sayyu Dantata; President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; Group Chairman, NGX Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga; and CEO, Ethiopia Investment Holdings, Biru Taye.
Prime Minster Abiy described the occasion ”as historic for all Ethiopians” while Chairman Aliko Dangote hailed Ethiopia as ”the most attractive investment destination in Africa,” commending the leadership of the country, including Prime Minister Abiy for measures taken to reform the country’s economy.
Prime Minster Abiy noted that the projects represent more than an industrial progress.
”They embody our shared responsibility to harness opportunities, strengthen cooperation, and promote peace.”
The Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the strategic investment arm of the Government of Ethiopia, and Dangote Group signed the comprehensive shareholders’ agreement to develop, construct, and operate the world-class urea fertilizer production complex in Gode, Ethiopia.
Under the partnership structure, EIH will hold a 40% equity stake while Dangote Group will maintain 60% ownership of the transformative project that represents one of the largest industrial investments in Ethiopian history.
The ambitious project, according to Dangote Industries, will establish one of the world’s largest single-site urea fertilizer production complexes, with production facilities boasting a combined capacity of up to three million metric tons per annum.
”The facility will rank among the top five largest urea production complexes globally,” Dangote said,
Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly develop, own, construct, operate, maintain, insure, and finance the state-of-the-art urea fertilizer plants and associated infrastructure.
The comprehensive development includes advanced gas transport pipelines to evacuate natural gas from Ethiopia’s Hilal and Calub reserves, storage facilities, logistics infrastructure, and export capabilities designed to serve both domestic and regional markets.
The agreement also provides for potential expansions, upgrades, and similar fertilizer production initiatives in ammonia-based fertilizers, including ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and calcium ammonium nitrate, further cementing Ethiopia’s position as a regional fertilizer production hub.
The Project is expected to be completed within targeted 40 months from commencement.
Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, noted during the signing ceremony, Thursday August 28, 2025, that the partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings represents a pivotal moment in their shared vision to industrialize Africa and achieve food security across the continent.
”The strategic location of Gode, combined with Ethiopia’s abundant natural gas resources from the Hilal and Calub reserves, makes this an ideal location for what will become one of the world’s largest fertilizer complexes.”
Dr. Brook Taye, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, stated: “This landmark agreement with Dangote Group marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward industrial self-sufficiency and agricultural modernization.”
He said the project aligns perfectly with our national development priorities and will substantially enhance our agricultural productivity while positioning Ethiopia as a regional hub for fertilizer production.
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