Dangote Sets Ambitious Target to Become World’s Largest Fertilizer Producer in Three Years
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has unveiled a bold expansion plan that could position the Dangote Group as the world’s largest fertilizer producer within the next three years. The move is expected to significantly boost Africa’s industrial capacity and strengthen the continent’s role in global agricultural supply chains.
According to Dangote, the company intends to ramp up its urea fertilizer production from 3 million tonnes to 12 million tonnes annually, marking one of the most aggressive industrial scale-ups in Africa’s recent history. The expansion is anchored by the success of the $2.5 billion Dangote Fertilizer Plant in Lagos already the biggest in Africa.
Industry analysts say this fourfold production increase would elevate the Dangote Group beyond major global competitors, giving Africa unprecedented influence in the fertilizer market and providing farmers with more stable access to high-quality agricultural inputs.
The Group is also extending its footprint across the continent, with new fertilizer projects being developed in Ethiopia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These countries are expected to become regional hubs, supplying local farmers and exporting to neighbouring markets.
Speaking on the company’s long-term vision, Dangote emphasized that Africa must become a global manufacturing force rather than merely a consumer market.
“We are committed to driving Africa’s industrial transformation. Becoming the world’s largest producer of fertilizer is only one part of what we aim to achieve,” he stated.
Agricultural experts say increased fertilizer availability could help African countries boost food production, reduce import dependence, and strengthen food security at a time when climate pressures and global shortages continue to affect crop yields.
Economists also predict that the expansion will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate local economies, and attract further investment into Africa’s manufacturing sector.
With the upcoming phases of construction already underway, Dangote’s vision signals a powerful shift: Africa is no longer only participating in global markets it is preparing to lead them.