New 3-million-tonne plant aims to boost jobs, local production and infrastructure growth
Dangote Cement has officially launched operations at its new cement plant in Attingué, Côte d’Ivoire, a strategic move that expands the company’s footprint in Francophone West Africa and strengthens its position as one of Africa’s largest cement producers.
Covering 50 hectares, the plant has an annual production capacity of 3 million tonnes, making it one of the group’s most advanced facilities outside Nigeria. The project, worth an estimated 100 billion CFA francs, positions Côte d’Ivoire as the 11th African country to host a Dangote Cement production unit.
The company said the investment will support the country’s fast-growing construction sector, which has been fuelled by rapid urbanisation, new housing projects, and government-led infrastructure expansion. The facility is also expected to significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imported cement and help stabilize local market prices.
Beyond industrial production, the new plant is projected to generate more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs across various sectors, including transportation, logistics, retail, and small-scale construction. Dangote Cement described the project as a major boost for Ivorian youth employment and local small businesses such as transporters, suppliers, and tradespeople who form part of the construction value chain.
Deepening regional presence and empowering local talent
The launch of the Attingué plant marks another milestone in Dangote Group’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence across Africa while promoting industrial self-sufficiency. With a total installed capacity of 55 million tonnes per year across the continent, the company continues to drive investments aimed at transforming Africa from a raw-material exporter into a hub of industrial production.
According to the firm, the new plant reflects its long-term vision of contributing to Côte d’Ivoire’s sustainable development. The facility will not only produce high-quality cement locally but also serve as a training ground for young engineers and technicians through programmes offered at the Dangote Academy. These training initiatives are designed to enhance local capacity in industrial management and operations, ensuring that Ivorian professionals are equipped with globally competitive skills.
The company said it plans to integrate strong sustainability and community development components into its operations in Attingué. These include the construction of access roads, provision of clean water systems, and support for healthcare facilities in surrounding communities. By embedding social projects within its operations, Dangote Cement aims to create shared value that extends beyond direct business benefits.
The company also revealed plans to build an extensive distribution network that will ensure cement availability across all regions of Côte d’Ivoire. The network will be designed to serve both large construction firms and small-scale retailers efficiently. To strengthen this value chain, Dangote Cement intends to introduce business support measures such as credit facilities and commercial assistance to help local distributors and retailers grow their businesses.
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In addition to job creation and supply chain expansion, the company expects the Attingué plant to contribute to Côte d’Ivoire’s industrial competitiveness in West Africa. With its high production capacity and advanced technology, the plant will allow the country to gradually reduce cement imports and potentially become a regional exporter in the future.
As operations ramp up, the new facility is set to play a crucial role in Côte d’Ivoire’s construction and housing development drive. It represents not only a major step in Dangote Group’s continental expansion but also a vote of confidence in the Ivorian economy and its growing role in regional trade and manufacturing.
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