Dangote Cement launches operations in Côte D’Ivoire with sights on boosting African self-sufficient in cement
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Dangote Cement has launched operations at its new plant in Attingué, 30 kilometres from Abidjan in Cote D’Ivoire, eyeing 3 million metric tonnes (mt) of output per year of “world class” finished products.
Serge Gbotta, Dangote Cement Côte D’Ivoire Managing Director, made the announcement at Novotel Abidjan-Marcory where he confirmed that the state-of-the-art facility spans 50 hectares with an annual production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes (mt), according to a statement issued by the company at the weekend.
“This strategic project, with an estimated investment of 100bn CFA francs, embodies Aliko Dangote’s vision of building a self-sufficient Africa that is less dependent on imports and capable of transforming its resources into world-class finished products,” the statement quoted Gbotta as saying.
“With this facility, Ivory Coast becomes the 11th African country to host a Dangote Cement production unit.
“The group, which has a total capacity of 55 million tonnes per year on the continent, intends to contribute to the development of Ivorian infrastructure and meet the growing demand for construction materials, driven by rapid urbanisation and major construction projects in the country.
“According to forecasts, the Attingué plant could generate more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs. This represents a significant boost for young people in Ivory Coast, but also for the ecosystem of local SMEs – transporters, building tradespeople, retailers, suppliers and subcontractors ….
“This plant is more than an industrial unit – it is a symbol of confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s future.
“Our goal is to provide Ivorians with world-class cement, produced locally and offered at competitive prices.”
The company also announced plans to launch training programmes for young engineers and technicians through the Dangote Academy to enhance local expertise in industrial management.
Dangote Cement Côte D’Ivoire Commercial Director, Stéphane Tchimou, stressed the plant’s impact on the construction sector.
He pitched: “Reliable, high-performance cement is essential for masons, contractors, and craftsmen. Our distribution network will ensure availability across all regions”.
He assured that
- Support mechanisms such as credit facilities and commercial assistance will be introduced to empower small retailers and strengthen the value chain.
- Beyond industrial development, Dangote Cement is committed to community initiatives around the Attingué site, including road construction, clean water projects, and support for local health centres, in collaboration with local authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, reaffirmed the commitment of the conglomerate to African economic development, saying: “Africa is full of opportunities. Our mission is to tell a new story – one of innovation, production, and progress for future generations.”
The plant will produce premium cement in multiple grades – CPJ 32.5R for masonry, CPJ 42.5N for buildings, and CPA 52.5 for large structures – to position Dangote Cement as a trusted partner in Côte D’Ivoirien construction industry.
The facility is expected to significantly reduce cement imports and establish Côte D’Ivoire as a regional hub for cement production and export.
Read also:
Obi reiterates no political pact with Jonathan, recent friendly visit mere routine
