Dangote Sets Up ₦270bn Plant in Côte d’Ivoire

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has added another major project to his growing list of investments across the continent. 

Just weeks after announcing plans for a fertiliser plant in Ethiopia, the Dangote Group has officially opened a new ₦270 billion cement factory in Côte d’Ivoire, a clear signal of the company’s commitment to Africa’s industrial growth.

A Milestone for Industrial Growth in West Africa

Located in Attingué, about 30 kilometres from Abidjan, the new 3.0 million metric tonne cement plant represents one of Dangote’s biggest projects outside Nigeria. 

Built on a 50-hectare site, the factory is designed to boost Côte d’Ivoire’s local cement production and reduce dependence on imports.

Serge Gbotta, Managing Director of Dangote Cement Côte d’Ivoire, described the project as a vote of confidence in the country’s economic future.

“This plant is more than an industrial unit, it is a symbol of confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s future,” Gbotta said. “Our goal is to provide Ivorians with world-class cement produced locally and sold at competitive prices.”

With the new facility, Côte d’Ivoire becomes the 11th African country to host a Dangote Cement plant, pushing the group’s total production capacity to about 55 million tonnes per year across the continent.

Jobs and Opportunities for Ivorians

Beyond producing cement, the Attingué plant is expected to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs. 

The company says it will provide opportunities for young engineers, transporters, suppliers, and retailers. To strengthen local skills, Dangote Cement has also partnered with Dangote Academy to train young professionals in industrial operations.

Commercial Director Stéphane Tchimou noted that the new plant will ensure reliable cement supply throughout Côte d’Ivoire.

“Reliable, high-performance cement is essential for masons, contractors, and builders,” he said. “Our wide distribution network will make it easily available across the country.”

He also revealed that the company plans to introduce credit support for small retailers, helping them grow within the cement value chain.

Commitment to the Community

Dangote Cement’s operations in Côte d’Ivoire go beyond industrial goals. The company has pledged to invest in local community projects around Attingué. 

These include building access roads, providing clean water, and supporting health centres in collaboration with local authorities and non-governmental organisations.

The new factory will produce three key grades of cement, CPJ 32.5R for masonry, CPJ 42.5N for building construction, and CPA 52.5 for large infrastructure projects to meet the country’s growing construction needs.

Strengthening Africa’s Self-Sufficiency

The launch of the Côte d’Ivoire cement plant comes shortly after Dangote announced a multi-billion-dollar fertiliser project in Ethiopia. 

While the Ethiopian plant will support agricultural transformation in East Africa, the new cement factory will strengthen infrastructure growth in West Africa, both forming part of Dangote’s broader plan to make Africa more self-reliant.

Analysts see these projects as part of a larger strategy to reduce import dependence and deepen trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Together, they highlight the group’s push for regional integration and economic diversification.

Dangote’s Vision for Africa

For Aliko Dangote, these new projects reflect more than just business expansion. They represent a mission to build a stronger Africa through industrialisation.

“Africa is full of opportunities,” Dangote said. “Our mission is to tell a new story, one of innovation, production, and progress for future generations.”

From cement and fertiliser to oil refining, Dangote’s investments continue to reshape the continent’s industrial landscape, transforming Africa’s natural resources into engines of growth and prosperity.