Dangote Packaging Targets African Export Market After Major Capacity Boost
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Packaging Limited (DPL), a subsidiary of the Dangote Group, is set to enter the African export market, leveraging a significant increase in its production capacity and the recent commissioning of advanced manufacturing equipment.
The company disclosed this development during a strategic board meeting held last Wednesday, where it revealed a scale-up in production from 36 million to 52 million polypropylene bags per month. The expansion, driven by new machinery installed across its two plants, positions DPL to not only meet rising domestic demand but also pursue new opportunities across West, Central, and Southern Africa.
Chairman of DPL’s Board of Directors, Mr. Robert Ade-Odiachi, stated that the company’s readiness for export is backed by strengthened operational capacity and a clear strategy to engage international markets. “With the current increase in production capacity, DPL is ready to explore markets across West, Central, and Southern Africa,” he said. “Once domestic demand is met, it is only logical to channel our surplus to new territories. To this end, we have engaged an export team to lead the charge.”
He noted that DPL’s expansion is grounded in its use of modern technology, a skilled workforce, and high-quality standards. “We are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, skilled manpower, and robust systems. Our product quality is unmatched, and our pricing remains competitive,” Mr. Ade-Odiachi said.
To accelerate entry into these new markets, DPL is also considering trade concessions that will make its products more attractive to distributors and manufacturers across the region.
The company’s growth trajectory aligns with the broader expansion strategy of the Dangote Group, particularly in light of recent advancements in the conglomerate’s industrial portfolio. “With our refinery and petrochemical plants now supplying key raw materials, we have achieved self-sufficiency, further reinforcing our long-term growth prospects,” Mr. Ade-Odiachi added.
Board member and Group Treasurer of Dangote Group, Alhaji Mustapha Matawalle, also spoke on the wider economic implications of the expansion. He pointed out that the move is expected to contribute significantly to job creation and boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings through non-oil exports.
“This is not just about market dominance and revenue generation,” he said. “It’s also about creating jobs and boosting Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings through export activity.”
He further lauded DPL’s commitment to Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) standards, affirming that the company’s operations remain fully compliant with national and international regulatory expectations.
DPL Managing Director, Mr. Sai Prakash, described the newly commissioned machinery as a turning point for the company. Speaking during the commissioning in April, he described the equipment as “cutting-edge” and central to improving output quality and consistency.
“With our rapidly expanding capabilities, stepping into the African market is a natural and timely progression,” Mr. Sai Prakash noted.
As DPL prepares for its regional debut, industry watchers see the move as a strategic step toward positioning Nigeria as a leading exporter of industrial packaging products, while further consolidating the Dangote Group’s influence across the continent.
