Dangote Expands Fertilizer Reach with Global Partners
By Patience Ikpeme
The Dangote Group has formally announced a set of major technical partnerships that will support the ambitious expansion of its fertilizer operations, both within Nigeria and through the development of new facilities in Ethiopia.
These collaborations, the Group stated, represent a significant stride in its long-term strategy to strengthen regional food security, boost agricultural productivity, and enhance Africa’s standing in the worldwide fertilizer market.
The central component of the plan involves dramatically scaling up urea production capacity in Nigeria from the existing three million metric tons to an impressive nine million metric tons annually.
This expansion will see the introduction of four new production trains, adding to the two currently operational, allowing the Group to meet growing demand for high-quality fertilizer across Africa and beyond.
“Through these strategic partnerships, Dangote Group will increase its urea production capacity in Nigeria from the current three million metric tons to nine million metric tons annually,” the statement confirmed.
In a parallel move, the Group recently broke ground on a $2.5 billion fertilizer plant in Gode, Ethiopia. This facility is designed to produce three million metric tons of urea annually and is cited as a significant commitment by the Dangote Group to bolstering food security and industrial growth throughout the continent.
To deliver world-class facilities and ensure the highest standards of technology, reliability, and operational efficiency, Dangote Group has entered into several key partnership agreements: Topsoe will provide ammonia technology licensing and the complete process design packages for six ammonia plants—four to be located in Nigeria and two in Ethiopia—capitalizing on its globally recognized expertise in advanced ammonia process technologies that support efficient and environmentally responsible production.
Simultaneously, Saipem will deliver technology licensing and the full process design package for urea melt units across all six plants, drawing on its deep engineering expertise and decades of experience in fertilizer production systems. Furthermore,
Thyssenkrupp’s UFT division will supply the granulation technology license and complete process design package for the granulation units in the six fertilizer plants, a step that will support the production of premium quality urea granules suited for both domestic and international markets.
Finally, Engineers India Limited has been appointed as project management consultant and engineering procurement and construction management consultant for the four fertilizer plants being developed by DFFZE in Lekki, Nigeria, bringing its proven competence in large-scale industrial engineering and project delivery.
The Dangote Group made it known that these partnerships reflect its dedication to providing high-quality industrial assets that meet the most stringent global standards. The planned expansion is expected to substantially increase regional urea and ammonia production capacity, generate new employment opportunities, support agricultural value chains, and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and across the continent.
“Dangote Group remains fully dedicated to building resilient industrial capacity, supporting national development priorities, and forging strong global collaborations that advance Africa’s long term prosperity,” the statement concluded.
