Dangote Cement Plc, Africa’s leading cement producer, has officially commenced operations at its new manufacturing plant in Attingué, near Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The $160 million facility represents a major investment in the Ivorian construction sector and marks Dangote’s 11th cement plant in Africa, underscoring the company’s commitment to regional industrial growth.
The new plant sits on a 50-hectare site and has an installed production capacity of 3 million tonnes of cement per year. It is expected to generate more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs for local communities, while also supporting infrastructure development projects across Côte d’Ivoire and neighboring West African countries.
The plant’s inauguration ceremony attracted senior Ivorian government officials, representatives from Nigeria, and executives from the Dangote Group. In his remarks, representatives of the company emphasized that the investment aligns with the Ivorian government’s industrialization agenda and will help reduce the country’s dependence on imported cement. The facility is also designed to meet international environmental and quality standards, ensuring sustainability in operations.
Boosting Local Industry and Economic Growth
The launch of the Attingué plant is part of Dangote Cement’s strategy to strengthen local production capacity and enhance the availability of affordable building materials across Africa. Côte d’Ivoire has experienced steady growth in its construction sector over the past decade, driven by infrastructure expansion, urbanization, and private real estate development. The new plant will help meet rising domestic demand for cement and contribute to stabilizing prices in the local market.
In addition to creating employment opportunities, Dangote Cement plans to invest in skills development and community initiatives. The company has announced training programs for Ivorian engineers and technicians through the Dangote Academy, aiming to build local expertise in industrial operations, maintenance, and safety.
Strengthening Dangote’s African Footprint
With the commencement of operations in Côte d’Ivoire, Dangote Cement now operates plants in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Republic of Congo, South Africa, and Sierra Leone. The new plant in Ivory Coast expands the company’s total production capacity on the continent to more than 55 million tonnes annually.
The facility’s strategic location near Abidjan also provides access to major transportation and export routes, enabling efficient distribution to regional markets such as Liberia, Mali, and Burkina Faso. This expansion reinforces Dangote’s ambition to make Africa self-sufficient in cement production and reduce the continent’s reliance on imports.
Economic and Regional Significance
Analysts believe the new plant will enhance competition in the Ivorian cement market, which already includes major players such as LafargeHolcim, Cim Ivoire, and Cimaf. Increased production capacity could help stabilize cement prices and improve supply reliability across the country.
Furthermore, the investment is expected to stimulate related sectors such as logistics, mining, and power generation. By sourcing raw materials locally and creating supply chain linkages, Dangote Cement will contribute to Côte d’Ivoire’s broader goal of industrial diversification and inclusive economic growth.
Conclusion
The commencement of operations by Dangote Cement in Ivory Coast marks a significant milestone for both the company and the host nation. The $160 million Attingué plant demonstrates the growing role of private investment in Africa’s industrial transformation. It also reflects Dangote’s long-term vision of building a self-reliant Africa capable of meeting its own infrastructure needs.
With a focus on quality, sustainability, and community development, Dangote Cement’s expansion into Côte d’Ivoire is expected to have a lasting impact on the region’s economy, creating jobs, boosting industrial capacity, and promoting economic integration across West Africa.
