Africa’s industrial landscape is undergoing a shift, as local entrepreneurs take a leading role in shaping the continent’s economic future. At the forefront of this movement is Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote, who this week announced the opening of a major cement plant in Côte d’Ivoire—his company’s largest operation outside Nigeria.
The new facility, located in the Attinguié industrial zone near Abidjan, has a production capacity of three million tonnes per year and represents an investment of more than 150 billion FCFA (approximately US$245 million). It is expected to create up to 3,000 jobs and play a significant role in strengthening regional self-sufficiency in cement production.
“This plant represents much more than an industrial project,” Dangote said in a statement. “It promises sustainable economic opportunities for the region.”
The launch marks a continuation of Dangote’s broader strategy to expand operations across Africa, with ongoing investments in sectors including cement, fertiliser, and oil refining. His latest venture aligns with growing calls for African-led development, driven not by foreign direct investment, but by domestic entrepreneurship and regional cooperation.
The project is also expected to contribute to Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on imports, and develop local supply chains. The location was selected for its strategic positioning within West Africa, enabling more efficient distribution of cement to neighbouring markets.
While Dangote’s ventures have drawn widespread praise, some observers point out that sustained industrial growth will require stronger public-private partnerships, policy support, and investment in infrastructure and skills development. For now, however, his latest move is seen as a notable step in Africa’s wider industrial evolution.
His statement concluded with a message that captures the sentiment shared by a growing number of African business leaders: “We remain committed to building a more autonomous, stronger, and more forward-looking continent. Africa builds Africa.”
As Africa continues to seek solutions to unemployment, import dependence, and economic fragility, developments like this signal a broader ambition: to shape the continent’s future through local innovation, enterprise, and long-term planning.
