Dangote Cement Plc, Africa’s leading cement producer, has further strengthened its continental presence with the commissioning of a new ₦100 billion (100 billion CFA francs) cement plant in Attingué, Côte d’Ivoire, signaling another major milestone in its drive toward industrial self-sufficiency and regional economic development.
The newly inaugurated plant, which has a production capacity of three million metric tonnes annually, is situated about 30 kilometers from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s commercial capital. Built on a sprawling 50-hectare industrial site, the ultra-modern facility is equipped with the latest technology to ensure efficient, high-quality, and environmentally sustainable cement production.
With this launch, Côte d’Ivoire becomes the 11th African nation to host a Dangote Cement manufacturing plant, bringing the group’s total installed capacity across the continent to 55 million tonnes per annum.
Speaking during the official launch ceremony at Novotel Abidjan-Marcory, the Managing Director of Dangote Cement Côte d’Ivoire, Serge Gbotta, said the project represents a vote of confidence in the resilience and economic potential of Côte d’Ivoire.
“This plant is not just a production facility; it is a symbol of trust in Côte d’Ivoire’s future,” Gbotta stated. “We are investing in local production to provide Ivorians with world-class cement at affordable prices, while supporting the government’s agenda for industrial growth and infrastructure expansion.”
The plant is expected to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, with a significant portion targeted at local youths. It will also stimulate growth among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involved in logistics, retail distribution, and raw material supply chains.
Dangote Cement also announced plans to partner with educational and technical institutions to train young engineers and technicians through the Dangote Academy, an initiative that focuses on building human capital and industrial competence in host communities.
According to the company, the Attingué facility will play a vital role in reducing Côte d’Ivoire’s dependence on imported cement and positioning the nation as a regional hub for cement production and exports. The plant is designed to manufacture premium cement grades—CPJ 32.5R for masonry work, CPJ 42.5N for general building construction, and CPA 52.5 for major infrastructure and industrial projects.
Stéphane Tchimou, the Commercial Director of Dangote Cement Côte d’Ivoire, highlighted that the company’s wide distribution network will ensure consistent availability of cement across the country, even in remote regions.
“Reliable, high-performance cement is essential for the success of our builders, craftsmen, and contractors,” he said. “Our focus is to make our products easily accessible while empowering small-scale retailers with credit support and technical assistance to expand their businesses.”
Industry experts say the investment aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s broader industrial policy aimed at attracting foreign investment, enhancing value addition, and diversifying its economy beyond agriculture and raw material exports.
Beyond industrial growth, Dangote Cement has pledged to invest in community development initiatives around the Attingué site. The company plans to undertake projects that include road rehabilitation, provision of clean water, and the enhancement of healthcare facilities, in collaboration with local authorities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
These interventions are part of Dangote Group’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework, which seeks to promote inclusive development in areas where the company operates.
Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, reaffirmed the conglomerate’s commitment to driving Africa’s industrial revolution through sustained investments and innovation.
“Africa is rich in resources and potential,” Dangote said. “Our mission is to create a new narrative—one defined by local production, job creation, and shared prosperity. This plant is a testament to our belief that Africans can build and sustain world-class industries.”
The commissioning of the Attingué plant comes at a time when West Africa’s construction sector is experiencing steady growth, driven by public infrastructure projects and rapid urbanization. Analysts believe the new facility will not only meet domestic demand but also supply neighboring Francophone markets, strengthening intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
The investment is also expected to support government efforts to stabilize prices, promote quality standards, and attract further industrial partnerships into Côte d’Ivoire’s manufacturing landscape.
By expanding its operations into key markets such as Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and now Côte d’Ivoire, Dangote Cement continues to position itself as a pan-African leader in building materials, contributing to regional self-reliance and economic resilience.
