In a major boost to West Africa’s construction and industrial sectors, Dangote Cement Plc has officially commenced operations at its new cement plant in Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire). The milestone marks another significant expansion for Africa’s largest cement producer and underscores its commitment to driving regional self-sufficiency in cement production, reducing import dependency, and fostering economic growth across the continent.
The new facility, located in Abidjan, the Ivorian economic capital, represents a substantial investment aimed at meeting the growing demand for cement in the country and neighboring Francophone markets. The plant is expected to produce over 3 million metric tonnes of cement per annum, making it one of the largest in the region.
A Strategic Move to Strengthen Regional Presence
With operations in over ten African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Zambia, Dangote Cement has established itself as a continental powerhouse. The launch of the Ivory Coast plant aligns with the company’s broader strategy of becoming the leading cement supplier in Africa by ensuring that every nation on the continent can access locally manufactured, high-quality cement.
The entry into the Ivorian market, according to company executives, is a deliberate step to consolidate Dangote Group’s influence in Francophone West Africa, where the demand for housing, infrastructure, and industrial facilities continues to surge. Côte d’Ivoire, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies with an annual GDP growth rate averaging 6–7 percent over the past decade, has witnessed an infrastructure boom — spanning new roads, bridges, ports, and real estate projects.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, said the company’s decision to invest in Ivory Coast reflects its long-term vision to contribute to Africa’s industrial development and create sustainable employment opportunities.
“Our new cement plant in Ivory Coast is not just a business venture; it is a commitment to Africa’s economic transformation. We believe that industrialization remains the foundation for sustainable development, and our mission is to make Africa self-sufficient in cement production,” Dangote said.
Boost to Local Economy and Employment
The new facility has already begun transforming the local economy by creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs. At full operational capacity, the plant is expected to employ over 1,000 people directly and several thousand more through related sectors such as logistics, maintenance, distribution, and raw material supply chains.
Local contractors, transporters, and small-scale suppliers have been integrated into the company’s operations, ensuring that the benefits of the investment extend beyond the plant gates. The company also revealed plans for community development projects in education, healthcare, and infrastructure as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda.
An official from the Ivorian Ministry of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, Jean-Marc Kouadio, who attended the opening, commended the initiative as a landmark investment in the country’s industrialization journey.
“Dangote’s investment is a testament to the confidence international investors have in Côte d’Ivoire’s stable economy and progressive business environment. This project will help us reduce cement imports and enhance local production, making construction more affordable,” he said.
Reducing Import Dependence
Until recently, Ivory Coast relied heavily on imported cement, primarily from neighboring countries, to meet domestic demand. The shortage of local production often led to price instability and supply delays, particularly during the peak construction season.
Dangote Cement’s entry into the market is expected to significantly stabilize prices, improve availability, and enhance quality through modern production technology and efficient distribution systems. The Abidjan plant will also serve as a strategic export hub to supply cement to nearby markets such as Liberia, Guinea, and Burkina Faso.
Industry analysts note that Dangote Cement’s competitive advantage lies in its ability to produce high-quality cement at a relatively lower cost due to its integrated business model. The company mines its limestone and produces its clinker — the key raw material for cement — which drastically reduces dependence on imports and foreign exchange volatility.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
In line with its sustainability goals, Dangote Cement has incorporated state-of-the-art environmental control technologies into the Ivory Coast plant. The facility is equipped with advanced dust filtration systems, low-emission kilns, and energy-efficient production processes designed to minimize the carbon footprint.
The company has also adopted policies to promote the use of alternative fuels and renewable energy sources, aligning with global standards for environmental protection. According to Dangote officials, the new plant is designed to comply with both local and international environmental regulations.
“Our operations prioritize environmental stewardship. We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and ensuring that our communities remain safe and healthy,” said Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc.
Driving Infrastructure and Industrial Growth
Cement remains a critical component of infrastructure development, and Dangote’s investment is expected to have a ripple effect across multiple sectors of the Ivorian economy. Affordable and accessible cement will support the construction of new roads, housing estates, schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities, fueling the government’s National Development Plan (PND 2025), which prioritizes large-scale infrastructure development.
Analysts believe that the plant’s commissioning will not only reduce Ivory Coast’s cement import bill but also enhance its export potential, positioning the country as a regional cement hub. The move also aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which encourages intra-African trade and the establishment of cross-border manufacturing networks.
Part of Dangote’s Pan-African Expansion Vision
The Ivory Coast project forms part of Dangote Group’s ambitious plan to establish cement production plants across Africa. The company currently boasts an installed capacity of over 51 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) and continues to expand into new markets.
Recent years have seen Dangote Cement commissioning new plants in Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Senegal, while construction projects are ongoing in Niger and the Central African Republic. Each new venture reinforces the Group’s long-term goal of transforming Africa from an importer of cement into a self-sufficient producer and exporter.
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, emphasized during the launch that the company’s expansion is not solely about profits but about empowering the continent through industrial self-reliance and economic inclusion.
“Africa must produce what it consumes. Every bag of cement made locally means jobs created, foreign exchange saved, and infrastructure built. This is the philosophy driving our investment decisions,” Dangote stated.
Government and Industry Reactions
The Ivorian government has hailed the investment as a vote of confidence in its business reforms, particularly those promoting industrialization, transparency, and ease of doing business. According to officials, the Dangote project exemplifies successful public-private collaboration in achieving national development goals.
Industry stakeholders have also welcomed the move, describing it as a game-changer that will increase competition, drive down cement prices, and raise production standards. Local builders and contractors have expressed optimism that the increased availability of cement will reduce construction costs and accelerate project completion timelines.
Conclusion: A Cement Giant Strengthening Africa’s Foundations
The commencement of Dangote Cement’s operations in Ivory Coast is more than a business milestone—it is a symbol of Africa’s growing industrial confidence and capacity. As construction cranes rise over Abidjan and beyond, the ripple effects of this investment will be felt in new roads, homes, factories, and livelihoods.
Through innovation, sustainability, and strategic expansion, Dangote Cement continues to build not just physical infrastructure but the very foundations of Africa’s economic future.
