Dangote launches German-backed production units to power its multi-billion fertiliser expansion drive

Nigeria’s Dangote Fertiliser is set to dramatically increase its urea production with a new set of German-backed granulation units, part of a multi-billion-dollar expansion aimed at boosting the country’s agricultural self-sufficiency and strengthening its position in the global fertiliser market.

The expansion, first reported by Reuters, marks a major step in the Dangote Group’s broader strategy to strengthen its footprint across Africa’s industrial landscape, from energy and cement to agriculture and petrochemicals.

Currently producing 2.65 million tons of urea annually, Dangote Fertiliser’s new units, each with a capacity of 4,235 metric tons per day will increase total output to over 8 million tons per year.

The project will be located adjacent to the company’s existing fertiliser complex in Lekki, Lagos, which began operations in 2021 and has already become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain.

According to the agreement, Thyssenkrupp’s UFT Fluid Bed Granulation Technology will be deployed for the expansion. The system, which accounts for over 70 percent of global urea granulation capacity, promises low emissions and improved efficiency.

The collaboration also includes the provision of proprietary equipment such as granulators and scrubbers, alongside ammonia-conversion technology that transforms byproducts like ammonium sulfate into usable granules, reducing waste and optimizing logistics.

“This partnership underscores our shared vision for sustainable industrial development and global food security,” said Nadja Haakansson, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Uhde, during the announcement.

The German firm’s technology, she added, will ensure the Dangote facility operates at global standards in both efficiency and environmental performance.

Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, said the project reflects the company’s commitment to Africa’s industrial transformation and Nigeria’s drive toward agricultural self-sufficiency. “Our goal is not just to meet Nigeria’s fertilizer needs but to make the country a major player in the global agricultural supply chain,” he said.

Beyond fertilizer, Dangote is executing one of Africa’s most ambitious industrial expansion strategies. Its 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery, also located in Lekki, is expected to revolutionize petroleum supply across West Africa, while its cement operations stretch from Senegal to Zambia.

The conglomerate’s diversified investments spanning sugar, packaging, and petrochemicals, are part of a broader plan to reduce Africa’s dependence on imports and strengthen local manufacturing capacity.

With this latest fertilizer expansion, Dangote is not only boosting production but also reaffirming his role in reshaping Africa’s industrial and agricultural landscape.