Dangote Announces $400 Million Expansion of Ethiopia Cement Plant
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has unveiled a $400 million expansion plan for the Mugher cement plant in Ethiopia. This ambitious project aims to revive a second production line and double the plant’s annual capacity to 5 million tons, reinforcing Dangote Cement’s dominance in the African market.
Overcoming Challenges to Expand in Ethiopia
Since its launch in 2015, the Ethiopian plant has faced serious setbacks, including regional violence that led to vandalism of company assets and the tragic 2018 killing of Dangote Cement Plc’s country manager and two employees. However, despite these difficulties, Dangote remains committed to expanding operations in Ethiopia.
“Despite the ups and downs, we have successfully repaid all our loans and repatriated our profit,” Dangote stated at a press conference in Addis Ababa.
According to Bloomberg, the expansion project is expected to be fully operational within the next 30 months.
New Investments in Ethiopia’s Economy
Beyond cement, Dangote also announced a 3-million-ton-per-year cement grinding unit and a strategic investment in Ethiopia’s Omo Kuraz sugar factory in partnership with state-owned Ethiopian Investment Holdings.
Dangote’s Ever-Growing Business Empire
Aliko Dangote’s business empire spans multiple industries, with a strong presence in manufacturing, infrastructure, and agriculture. His investments are focused on reducing Africa’s dependence on imports and boosting local production.
- Dangote Cement: Africa’s largest cement producer, with operations in over 10 countries, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and South Africa. It has a total production capacity of over 51 million metric tons annually.
- Dangote Refinery: The largest oil refinery in Africa, located in Lagos, with a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day—aiming to make Nigeria self-sufficient in fuel production.
- Dangote Sugar: A leading producer of household and industrial sugar, supplying key industries like beverages and food processing.
Africa’s Economic Future with Dangote at the Helm
With continuous investments across the continent, Aliko Dangote is reshaping Africa’s industrial landscape. The expansion of the Mugher cement plant is another step in his vision to boost local economies, create jobs, and drive infrastructure growth.
