Africa's richest person, Aliko Dangote, has significantly increased his planned investment in a proposed fertilizer plant in Ethiopia to more than $4 billion. This expansion marks a substantial scale-up for one of Africa's largest industrial agriculture projects.

The announcement was made by Dangote Group on Sunday, May 18, 2026, following Dangote's visit to Ethiopia where he met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and inspected the project site.

Initially slated for a $2.5 billion investment, the project's scope has nearly doubled. The Dangote Group is broadening the facility's capabilities and associated infrastructure to enhance energy supply, logistics, and downstream production capacity.

According to the statement, the expanded investment of over $4 billion encompasses a 110km pipeline, a 120MW power plant, a polypropylene packaging facility, and a two-million-tonne NPK blending plant.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reportedly lauded the project as a strategic investment crucial for strengthening Ethiopia's agricultural sector, enhancing food security, and decreasing the nation's dependence on imported fertilizer products.

Ahmed also noted the steady progress of construction activities and expressed confidence that the completed project will generate employment opportunities, support local farmers, and contribute significantly to Ethiopia's economic growth.