By Nonso Agbodi
Ethiopia is set to host one of the world’s largest urea fertiliser complexes following the signing of a landmark shareholders’ agreement between Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the government’s strategic investment arm, and the Dangote Group.
Under the agreement, Dangote Group will hold 60 percent equity, while EIH will take a 40 percent stake in the mega project. The facility, to be located in Gode, Ethiopia, will have the capacity to produce up to three million metric tons of urea annually, placing it among the top five single-site urea production complexes globally.
According to Dangote Group spokesperson Tony Chiejine, the partnership covers every aspect of the project’s lifecycle—development, ownership, construction, operations, financing, and maintenance. The initiative will also involve the building of dedicated natural gas pipelines to transport feedstock from Ethiopia’s Hilal and Calub gas reserves, alongside storage facilities, logistics infrastructure, and export systems to serve both domestic and regional markets.
Chiejine further noted that the project cost, estimated at $2.5 billion, will be completed within 40 months of commencement. Future expansions will also explore ammonia-based fertilisers, such as ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and calcium ammonium nitrate, thereby consolidating Ethiopia’s ambition of becoming a fertiliser production hub in Africa.
Speaking on the agreement, Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, described the project as a milestone in Africa’s quest for industrialisation and food security.
“This partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings represents a pivotal moment in our shared vision to industrialize Africa and achieve food security. The strategic location of Gode and Ethiopia’s abundant natural gas reserves make this an ideal site for one of the world’s largest fertilizer complexes,” Dangote said.
On his part, Dr. Brook Taye, CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, said the project reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to agricultural modernisation and industrial transformation.
“This landmark agreement with Dangote Group marks a significant step in our journey toward industrial self-sufficiency. With a 40 percent stake, Ethiopia is proud to be part of a project that will not only boost agricultural productivity but also establish our country as a regional hub for fertiliser production,” he stated.
When completed, the Gode fertiliser complex is expected to transform Ethiopia’s agriculture sector, enhance food security across Africa, and strengthen the country’s position as a major player in the global fertiliser market.
