Dangote Cement has taken another major step toward strengthening its dominance in Africa’s construction industry with the opening of a new $160 million cement plant in Attingué, Côte d’Ivoire. The move reinforces the Nigerian industrial giant’s vision to build a self-sustaining cement supply network across West Africa while reducing the region’s dependence on imports.
Located about 30 kilometers from Abidjan, the plant represents one of the company’s biggest foreign investments yet. With a capacity of three million metric tonnes per year, the new facility is set to boost infrastructure development across Ivory Coast and neighboring markets.
A Strategic Move for West Africa’s Cement Future
The establishment of the Attingué plant signals a deliberate push by Dangote to meet the continent’s surging demand for construction materials. West Africa has witnessed rapid population growth and urbanization, with new roads, housing projects, and industrial estates springing up across the region. By positioning itself in Côte d’Ivoire, Dangote Cement is strategically tapping into this expanding market while offering a more affordable and locally produced alternative to imported cement.
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and founder of the Dangote Group, has long emphasized the importance of intra-African trade and industrial self-reliance. The new Ivorian plant fits squarely into that philosophy, serving both domestic needs and neighboring countries through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Local Benefits: Jobs, Training, and Community Impact
Beyond economics, the project promises deep social impact. The company estimates that more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created, ranging from plant operations to logistics, construction, and maintenance. Local businesses are expected to benefit from increased demand for goods and services, while youth training programs will equip young Ivorians with skills in industrial engineering and plant management.
In line with Dangote Group’s corporate social responsibility policies, the plant will also invest in infrastructure around the host community. Roads, water systems, and safety facilities are part of the long-term development plan for Attingué, ensuring that growth extends beyond factory walls.
Also, read: Dangote Refinery To Begin Fuel Supply To Eight African Nations
A Milestone for Côte d’Ivoire’s Economy
For Ivory Coast, this expansion couldn’t come at a better time. The country’s construction sector has been one of the fastest-growing in Africa, driven by government-backed infrastructure projects and private real estate development. With Dangote Cement now producing locally, analysts expect a reduction in cement import costs and improved supply stability, potentially bringing down construction expenses in the long run.
Government officials have praised the investment as a sign of renewed confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s economy. It also aligns with President Alassane Ouattara’s vision of turning the nation into a key industrial hub within the sub-region.
Challenges and Market Competition
Still, the cement market in Francophone West Africa remains highly competitive. Existing producers such as LafargeHolcim and Ciments d’Afrique have established strong networks in the region. Dangote Cement will have to navigate fluctuating energy costs, logistics bottlenecks, and regional trade policies to sustain profitability.
However, the company’s track record of operational efficiency and its integrated supply chain—stretching from Nigeria to Senegal—gives it a clear competitive advantage. By sourcing limestone locally and controlling logistics, Dangote can maintain lower costs while ensuring consistent product quality.
