Dangote poised to double capacity of Ethiopian cement plant 

Dangote Group is on track to double the production capacity of its cement plant in Ethiopia to 5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).

The company will build a new second production line at the Dangote Mugher cement plant, with a capacity of 2.5 mtpa, and a new greenfield grinding unit with a capacity of 3mtpa, near Addis Ababa.

It also plans new investments in Ethiopia’s sugar industry, leveraging Dangote’s experience in developing a 60,000-hectare sugar plantation in Nigeria to expand and enhance operations at the Omo Kuraz sugar company in Ethiopia, according to a statement by Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH).

Speaking on the new investment, Aliko Dangote, chairman and CEO of Dangote Group, said: “I am always happy to come to Ethiopia. I was particularly inspired by the discussions I had with His Excellency, the Prime Minister, during my most recent visit and by the visible development taking place in the country. 

“Our 2.5 million tons cement plant in Mugher remains one of the jewels of our portfolio. While we have experienced ups and downs, I am very pleased with this investment, and I am pleased to announce that we have successfully repatriated 100% of the loans and 100% of our dividends.”

Brook Taye, CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, welcomed the expansion and highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to fostering private sector growth.

“Ethiopia is undergoing an economic transformation that prioritizes industrialization, investment, and job creation. We are pleased to see Dangote Group expanding its footprint in our country. This investment is a strong signal of confidence in Ethiopia’s business environment and will contribute significantly to our infrastructure and economic growth,” he said.