Dangote Industries Limited has signed a US$4.2 billion, 25-year natural gas deal with China’s GCL Group to fuel its Ethiopian fertilizer megaproject. The agreement will supply gas to Dangote’s upcoming 3‑million‑tonne‑per‑year urea plant in Gode, Somali Region, set to start operations in 2029.
The project, valued at US$2.5 billion, is a joint venture between Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings, designed to meet Ethiopia’s urea demand while serving neighboring markets. Once operational, it will be East Africa’s largest modern fertilizer production hub.
Gas from the Calub Field in the Ogaden Basin will be transported via a 108-kilometre pipeline directly to the plant. Dangote emphasized the importance of building an integrated energy-to-food value chain to boost Africa’s industrial autonomy and food security.
GCL Group highlighted the role of Ethiopian government support in enabling the partnership. The collaboration represents a historic step in Africa–China industrial cooperation, promising economic growth, enhanced energy and chemical sectors, and long-term regional transformation.
