By Our Correspondent

National News – Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, received a grand welcome in Gode, Ethiopia, during a high-profile visit linked to the expansion of the Dangote Group fertiliser project.

The visit, hosted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, highlighted growing economic ties between Nigeria and Ethiopia and underscored the importance of large-scale industrial investments in Africa’s agricultural sector.

Dangote and Abiy Ahmed toured the construction site of the proposed fertiliser facility on Sunday as work continues on the multi-billion-dollar project.

Ethiopia had earlier signed a shareholders’ agreement with Dangote Group in August 2025 for the establishment of a urea fertiliser plant expected to produce three million metric tonnes annually.

The joint venture gives Dangote Group a 60 per cent stake, while Ethiopian Investment Holdings controls the remaining 40 per cent.

Construction of the fertiliser plant officially commenced in October 2025.

During the inspection, Dangote announced that the total investment for the project had increased from $2.5bn to more than $4bn.

According to the company, the expansion covers a 110-kilometre gas pipeline, a 120MW power plant, a polypropylene packaging factory, and a two-million-tonne NPK blending plant.

Abiy Ahmed described the fertiliser project as a key driver of Ethiopia’s economic transformation and food security agenda.

He said the facility would reduce dependence on fertiliser imports, boost local agricultural production, create jobs, and attract fresh investments into the East African nation.

The Ethiopian leader added that construction activities were progressing steadily across multiple sections of the project site, reflecting strong collaboration between the government and Dangote Group.

Dangote Group also reiterated its commitment to industrial development across Africa through strategic investments capable of strengthening regional economies and supporting long-term growth.