Dangote Cement Plc, Africa’s largest cement producer, has officially commenced operations at its new plant in Côte d’Ivoire, marking another major step in its ongoing expansion across the continent. The new facility, located in the industrial city of Abidjan, is part of the company’s strategic plan to strengthen its position as the leading provider of cement and building materials in Africa.
The plant, which has a production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum, is expected to play a significant role in meeting the rising demand for cement in the West African sub-region. With Côte d’Ivoire’s construction and infrastructure sectors experiencing rapid growth, the establishment of Dangote Cement’s operations is set to provide a crucial boost to the local economy through job creation, import substitution, and industrial development.
Speaking at the official inauguration ceremony in Abidjan, the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Arvind Pathak, described the development as a major milestone in the company’s pan-African growth strategy. He stated that the new factory reflects Dangote’s commitment to deepening regional trade integration and supporting Africa’s industrialization agenda.
“This new plant in Côte d’Ivoire is a testament to our vision of becoming the leading cement producer in Africa, delivering high-quality products that meet global standards while driving sustainable growth. Our investment here is not just about business expansion — it is about creating opportunities and supporting development in host countries,” Pathak said.
He further explained that the company’s presence in Côte d’Ivoire would help stabilize cement prices in the region and reduce dependence on imports, particularly from Asia and Europe. According to him, the plant would also enhance the company’s ability to serve neighboring countries such as Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
In his remarks, the Ivorian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Souleymane Diarrassouba, lauded Dangote Cement for its confidence in the country’s economic environment and its contribution to industrial development. He said the government would continue to support investors through favorable policies that promote sustainable business operations and economic diversification.
“Dangote Cement’s entry into our market is a major boost to our industrial base. It will not only create jobs but also enhance competition, innovation, and efficiency within our construction materials industry,” the minister noted.
He added that the company’s decision to establish a local plant aligns with the Ivorian government’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in cement production and reducing the importation of building materials.
The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, in a message delivered through the company’s management, reaffirmed the group’s mission to support African economies through massive investments in manufacturing and infrastructure. He emphasized that the new plant underscores his belief in Africa’s potential to achieve self-reliance through industrial growth.
“Our investments across Africa are guided by a vision to transform the continent into a hub of production and trade. This facility in Côte d’Ivoire will contribute not only to economic growth but also to the integration of regional markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Dangote said.
The Dangote Cement boss highlighted the company’s track record of excellence across Africa, with fully operational plants in Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Zambia, among others. He stressed that each investment contributes to sustainable economic growth by creating local employment, supporting infrastructure projects, and reducing dependence on imported materials.
The company revealed that the Ivory Coast plant features cutting-edge technology designed to ensure energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and compliance with global manufacturing standards. It also incorporates a modern dispatch system that will facilitate the efficient distribution of cement to retailers and construction companies across the region.
Industry analysts have welcomed the launch as a positive development for the West African construction sector. They noted that Côte d’Ivoire’s infrastructure drive — particularly in housing, roads, and industrial projects — has led to increased demand for quality cement, making Dangote’s investment timely.
According to analysts, the plant’s output could contribute significantly to regional price stability, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen the competitiveness of local contractors.
Furthermore, the establishment of the plant is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Ivorians, ranging from technical and administrative positions to roles in logistics and retail distribution. Dangote Cement has also pledged to invest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, focusing on education, healthcare, and community development in host communities.
The company’s management disclosed that part of its long-term plan includes expanding the plant’s capacity as demand grows, as well as exploring opportunities to produce clinker locally for both domestic use and export.
Dangote Cement’s entry into Côte d’Ivoire’s market reinforces its dominance in Africa’s cement sector. With a combined production capacity exceeding 55 million metric tonnes annually across its African operations, the company continues to play a central role in the continent’s industrial transformation.
Analysts say the move also aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) objectives of promoting intra-African trade and reducing the continent’s reliance on imports. Dangote Cement’s growing footprint across Africa is therefore seen as a catalyst for regional economic integration and sustainable growth.
As Côte d’Ivoire continues to position itself as a key industrial hub in West Africa, the launch of the Dangote Cement plant marks a new era in the country’s industrialization efforts. The development represents not only a major investment in the Ivorian economy but also a step forward in strengthening Africa’s capacity to produce and trade within its borders.
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