Lagos, Nigeria – July 13, 2025 — In a decisive move to enhance Africa’s agricultural self-reliance, Dangote Cement has announced the expansion of its flagship urea fertilizer plant in Lagos. This strategic upgrade aims to double production capacity within 40 months, targeting a complete end to the continent’s reliance on imported fertilizer.

Reclaiming Sovereignty Through Local Production

With Africa importing over 6 million metric tons of fertilizer annually, Dangote’s expansion is a watershed moment. By meeting local demand through domestic output, the continent stands to conserve billions in foreign exchange and stabilize input availability — especially critical as climate volatility and global supply shocks continue to impact food systems.

Economic Multiplier for African Agribusiness

The implications stretch far beyond agriculture:

– Employment Boom: The plant will generate thousands of jobs across production, logistics, and agro-retail.
– Intra-African Trade Boost: Surplus fertilizer is expected to reach neighboring markets under the AfCFTA, reinforcing cross-border agribusiness value chains.
-Farmer-Centric Innovation: The facility will produce soil-specific blends, tailored to regional crop needs, fostering better yields and reduced input costs.

Aliko Dangote’s Vision

“This expansion isn’t just about business—it’s about building Africa’s food future,” said Aliko Dangote. “We’re investing in the continent’s potential, confidence, and resilience.”
With an estimated budget of $2.5–$3 billion, the project also signals potential listing of Dangote Fertilizer on the Nigerian Exchange — a move likely to unlock fresh capital for scaling distribution and R&D.

What This Means for the Region

For agricultural economies like Zambia, this development could offer more accessible and affordable inputs, lessening dependency on distant suppliers and enhancing value chain security. Dangote’s leadership in fertilizer production may set new standards for localized industrial growth and collaborative continental development.

As Agrifocus Africa continues to track innovations transforming African agriculture, this expansion underscores the power of enterprise-led solutions in delivering sustainable food systems for generations to come.