The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has approved a $600 million financing facility for Dangote Group to support a major fertiliser expansion programme that aims to transform Africa’s agricultural landscape, strengthen food security and reduce the continent’s dependence on imported fertilisers.
- +AFC approves $600m for Dangote fertiliser expansion in Nigeria and Ethiopia
The financing, which will be provided to Greenview Fertilizer Corp., Dangote Group’s fertiliser holding company, forms part of a wider investment programme valued at about $7 billion.
The financing, which will be provided to Greenview Fertilizer Corp., Dangote Group’s fertiliser holding company, forms part of a wider investment programme valued at about $7 billion. According to African Economy Inc, the ambitious expansion will increase Dangote’s annual urea production capacity in Nigeria from 3 million metric tons to 9 million metric tons, while establishing a new fertiliser production platform in Ethiopia with an additional capacity of 3 million metric tons per year.
Once completed, the projects are expected to position Dangote Group among the world’s largest fertiliser producers and significantly strengthen Africa’s ability to produce critical agricultural inputs locally.
The investment comes as many African nations continue to rely heavily on imported fertilisers, leaving farmers vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, rising costs and geopolitical tensions. Recent instability linked to conflicts in the Middle East and shortages in international fertiliser markets has intensified concerns over the continent’s dependence on external suppliers.
Samaila Zubairu, AFC president and chief executive officer, said the investment reflects the institution’s commitment to advancing Africa’s industrial growth and agricultural independence.
“By supporting the development of the world’s largest fertiliser platform, AFC is helping build the foundation for Africa to feed itself, create productive jobs and strengthen our economic sovereignty,” Zubairu said.
AFC has been a long standing financial partner of Dangote Group and previously played a key role in coordinating a $3 billion syndicated financing package for the 650,000 barrel per day Dangote Refinery, the largest refinery in Africa.
Dangote Industries described the fertiliser expansion as a major step towards improving agricultural productivity and strengthening food systems across the continent.
The company said the investment would reduce reliance on imported fertilisers, support farmers, improve agricultural resilience and create lasting economic opportunities.
“At a time when population growth, climate pressures and global supply chain disruptions continue to challenge food systems worldwide, Africa must build the industrial capacity required to support its own development,” the company said.
Dangote added that the project goes beyond increasing fertiliser production and forms part of a broader strategy to drive sustainable agriculture, economic growth and greater self sufficiency across Africa.
The planned investments in Nigeria and Ethiopia are expected to create thousands of jobs, deepen regional agricultural value chains and help the continent meet rising food demand.
The project also highlights a growing effort by African financial institutions and private investors to develop strategic industries within the continent rather than depend on imported products and foreign supply chains.
