Amanze Chinonye
Dangote Cement Plc has officially launched its cement production operations and new product range in Côte d’Ivoire, marking a significant milestone in the company’s West African expansion drive.
The inauguration took place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the Novotel Abidjan-Marcory, where the company unveiled its CEM I and CEM II brands 32.5R, 3X42.5N, 3X42.5R, and 52.5N to the Ivorian market. The launch coincides with the commencement of operations at Dangote’s new ₦160 million (100 billion CFA francs) cement plant in Attingué, located about 30 kilometres from Abidjan, in the PK24 industrial zone.
Speaking at the launch event, Serge Gbotta, Managing Director of Dangote Cement Côte d’Ivoire, described the project as “a strong vote of confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s economic potential.”
Join our WhatsApp Channel“This plant is more than an industrial unit, it is a symbol of our long-term partnership with the Ivorian people. Our goal is to make high-quality cement available locally at competitive prices,” Gbotta said.
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A Strategic Investment for Local Growth
The new factory sits on 50 hectares of land and boasts an annual production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes. It is one of Dangote’s largest facilities outside Nigeria and part of the group’s broader strategy to boost local production across Africa.
The plant is expected to generate over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, transporters, and construction workers. Dangote Cement also announced plans to train local engineers and technicians through its Dangote Academy, aimed at building technical capacity within the Ivorian industrial sector.
At the product launch, Stéphane Tchimou, Commercial Director of Dangote Cement Côte d’Ivoire, said the company’s distribution network would cover all regions of the country, ensuring steady availability of its new cement grades. He added that Dangote will support small retailers with credit schemes and technical assistance to promote business growth.
Community Commitments and Regional Impact
Dangote Cement emphasized its commitment to community development, pledging investments in infrastructure, clean water access, road rehabilitation, and healthcare projects within the Attingué area in partnership with local authorities.
The plant’s opening brings Côte d’Ivoire into the list of 11 African countries now hosting Dangote Cement’s operations, contributing to the group’s continental production capacity of approximately 55 million tonnes annually.
Strengthening West Africa’s Cement Market
The establishment of the Attingué plant is expected to reduce Côte d’Ivoire’s dependence on cement imports, improve supply stability, and position the country as a regional hub for cement exports within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Analysts note that Dangote’s entry is set to reshape competition in a market currently dominated by LafargeHolcim, Cim Ivoire, and Cimaf. With total national capacity now exceeding domestic consumption, competitive pricing and supply efficiency will likely determine market success.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
