Africa’s largest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has strengthened his pan-African expansion strategy with the launch of a new Dangote Cement plant in Attingué, Ivory Coast — the company’s 11th production facility across the continent.
With an estimated investment of 100 billion CFA francs (approximately $160 million), the Attingué plant has a production capacity of three million tonnes per year, making it one of the group’s largest operations outside Nigeria.
Expanding the Dangote Footprint Across Africa
The new facility extends Dangote Cement’s operational presence to 11 African countries, adding to existing plants in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Zambia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Congo, Sierra Leone and South Africa.
Combined, the group now boasts a total installed capacity of 55 million tonnes annually, consolidating its position as Africa’s leading cement producer and one of the most influential industrial groups on the continent.
According to industry analysts, the latest expansion reflects Dangote’s strategy to achieve full regional integration in cement production by establishing local plants close to growing markets, thereby reducing dependence on imports and cutting logistics costs across West and Central Africa.
Driving Africa’s Industrial Self-Sufficiency
Dangote’s new investment goes beyond cement. It is part of a broader industrial vision — to build an Africa that transforms its raw materials into globally competitive finished products.
The group’s continued regional expansion aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to deepen intra-African trade and encourage homegrown industrial capacity.
By investing in local production, Dangote Cement not only ensures affordable supply for rapidly urbanising African nations but also contributes to the continent’s industrial self-reliance, reducing the outflow of foreign exchange spent on imported cement and construction materials.
“The establishment of the Attingué plant represents confidence in Africa’s capacity to produce what it consumes,” a regional market analyst noted. “It also reinforces the role of private capital in achieving continental industrialisation.”
Boosting Economic Growth in Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast, one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies, has experienced consistent expansion driven by large-scale infrastructure and housing development. Rapid urbanisation and ongoing reconstruction projects have significantly increased the demand for cement.
The new Dangote facility is expected to not only stabilise supply but also make cement more affordable in the Ivorian market. The company has pledged to produce high-quality cement to international standards while maintaining competitive local pricing.
Additionally, the Attingué plant is projected to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, stimulating opportunities for young professionals, transporters, local suppliers, and construction-related SMEs.
For the Ivorian government, the investment represents a significant inflow of foreign direct investment, supporting its vision of transforming the country into a regional industrial hub.
Sustainability and Local Engagement
Dangote Cement’s operations in Ivory Coast are being positioned as a model for sustainable industrial growth. The company’s local leadership has emphasised the importance of community integration, environmental responsibility, and partnership with small and medium-scale enterprises.
The management highlighted that the plant is designed with modern energy-efficient technologies and adheres to environmental safety standards consistent with global benchmarks.
“Beyond producing cement, we are investing in the people and communities of Ivory Coast,” said Serge Gbotta, Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Ivory Coast. “Our mission is to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports local development and delivers value to the broader society.”
Consolidating Regional Leadership
Dangote Cement’s entry into Ivory Coast further consolidates the company’s dominance in the West African cement industry. It also provides a strategic distribution advantage, given the country’s geographic access to landlocked neighbours such as Mali and Burkina Faso — both experiencing rising demand for construction materials.
With this new addition, the company strengthens its export capacity within the ECOWAS region while positioning itself for future growth in Central and North Africa.
Market observers note that the plant’s 3-million-tonne capacity gives Dangote Cement a competitive edge in regional pricing and supply stability, which could pressure existing operators and enhance efficiency across the market.
A Vision Beyond Borders
Aliko Dangote’s expansion strategy continues to reflect his long-term ambition to industrialise Africa from within — an approach anchored on value addition, employment creation, and cross-border integration.
From cement and fertilizers to oil refining and petrochemicals, Dangote Industries has built a business model focused on reducing Africa’s dependency on imports and promoting self-sufficiency through scale, technology, and innovation.
As the Attingué facility begins operations, it symbolizes more than a corporate milestone — it reinforces a vision of a united, self-sustaining Africa capable of converting its natural endowments into prosperity for its people.