Dangote Cement has officially launched operations at its new CFA100bn ($160 million) plant in Attingué, about 30 kilometres from Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire — marking a major step in the company’s pan-African expansion strategy.
The 50-hectare facility boasts an annual production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes, making it one of Dangote Cement’s largest plants outside Nigeria. The announcement was made by the Managing Director of Dangote Cement Cote d’Ivoire, Serge Gbotta, during a press briefing at Novotel Abidjan-Marcory.
‘This plant is more than an industrial unit — it is a symbol of confidence in Cote d’Ivoire’s future,’ said Gbotta. ‘Our goal is to provide Ivorians with world-class cement, produced locally and offered at competitive prices.’
The Attingué project represents a strategic investment aimed at boosting industrial growth, regional self-sufficiency, and job creation. Cote d’Ivoire becomes the 11th African country to host a Dangote Cement production unit, raising the group’s total continental capacity to 55 million tonnes annually.
The plant is expected to generate over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, supporting youth employment and stimulating small and medium-sized enterprises, including transporters, tradespeople, and local suppliers.
Dangote Cement also plans to establish training programmes for young engineers and technicians through the Dangote Academy, building local capacity in industrial management and technical operations.
‘We want Ivorians to gain the expertise needed to sustain long-term industrialisation,’ Gbotta said.
Commercial Director Stéphane Tchimou highlighted the plant’s importance to the local construction sector. ‘Reliable, high-performance cement is essential for masons, contractors, and craftsmen,’ he said. ‘Our distribution network will ensure availability across all regions.’
He added that credit facilities and business support initiatives would be introduced to empower small retailers and strengthen the cement value chain.
Beyond industrial growth, Dangote Cement pledged continued investment in local community projects around Attingué, including road rehabilitation, clean water access, and healthcare improvements. The company said these initiatives will be carried out in partnership with local authorities and NGOs.
Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, reaffirmed his company’s commitment to Africa’s economic transformation. ‘Africa is full of opportunities,’ he said. ‘Our mission is to tell a new story — one of innovation, production, and progress for future generations.’
The plant will manufacture three cement grades — CPJ 32.5R for masonry, CPJ 42.5N for buildings, and CPA 52.5 for large infrastructure projects — catering to Cote d’Ivoire’s fast-growing construction market.
Equipped with advanced technology, the facility is expected to significantly reduce cement imports and position Cote d’Ivoire as a regional hub for cement production and export.
