Aliko Dangote believes Africa can feed itself. The Dangote Group president made this bold declaration while visiting Ethiopia on Thursday.
Dangote spoke to reporters in Gode, a town in Ethiopia's Somali region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally hosted him and toured the site of a planned fertiliser plant currently under construction.
He stressed that fertiliser access remains critical to solving Africa's food crisis. "Africa holds immense agricultural potential, yet continues to grapple with food insecurity due to limited access to fertiliser," Dangote told journalists.
The Group's vision extends beyond just feeding Africans. According to him, the continent can eventually export agricultural products worldwide if given the right investment and infrastructure.
Dangote outlined an ambitious but achievable plan. He said sustained fertiliser production and upgraded agricultural infrastructure will unlock the continent's untapped capacity.
"Africa has the capacity to feed itself and even export to the rest of the world," he stated. "Our fertiliser investments across the continent are designed to unlock that potential."
Ethiopia has become a centerpiece of his continental strategy. Dangote announced he's increasing his Group's investment there from $2.5 billion to over $4 billion.
The expanded projects include several major components. A 110-kilometre pipeline, a 120MW power plant, a polypropylene packaging facility, and a two-million-tonne NPK blending plant are among the new developments.
Ethiopia now ranks as his second-largest investment destination in Africa. His total committed funds there represent nearly nine percent of all his continental plans through 2030.
He called Ethiopia strategically vital for long-term growth. "In total, our declared and signed investments in Ethiopia now exceed $4 billion," he noted.
Dangote praised Ahmed's leadership and economic vision. He told reporters the Prime Minister is "driving development beyond expectations."
Private sector collaboration remains essential to Ethiopia's progress. "Such progress requires strong private sector collaboration," Dangote said.
"We are proud to partner with Ethiopia to help build one of Africa's most dynamic economies."
Prime Minister Ahmed reciprocated the praise from his guest. He called Dangote a trusted and committed partner in nation-building.
Ahmed highlighted the fertiliser plant's importance to Ethiopian farmers. The project will cut import dependence and provide millions of smallholder farmers critical support, he explained.
Job creation stands out as another major benefit. Ahmed noted the plant will create extensive employment across multiple sectors and strengthen industrial value chains.
Ethiopia aims to become an agro-industrial powerhouse. The Prime Minister said such large-scale investments demonstrate the strength of government and private sector teamwork.
He called for more partnerships like this one. According to Ahmed, expanding collaboration between state and business will accelerate economic growth and attract further investment.
