A major boost has come for Côte d’Ivoire’s construction sector and employment landscape as Dangote Cement, Africa’s largest cement producer, officially launched operations in Attingué, about 30 kilometres from Abidjan. The announcement was made at the Novotel Abidjan-Marcory by Serge Gbotta, Managing Director of Dangote Cement Côte d’Ivoire.
Spanning 50 hectares, the new plant boasts an annual production capacity of 3 million tonnes, making it one of the company’s largest facilities outside Nigeria. The ₣100 billion CFA franc investment reflects Aliko Dangote’s enduring vision of an Africa that processes its own resources, reduces dependence on imports, and drives industrial self-sufficiency.
With this addition, Côte d’Ivoire becomes the 11th African country to host a Dangote Cement production unit. The group now commands a total cement production capacity of 55 million tonnes annually across the continent, a testament to its leadership in Africa’s industrial transformation.
According to projections, the Attingué plant will generate over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing opportunities for Ivorian youth and stimulating growth for local small and medium-sized enterprises, including transporters, builders, suppliers, and service providers.
“Our ambition is simple but profound: to provide Ivorians with world-class cement, produced locally, at competitive prices,” said Serge Gbotta at the launch. “This plant is not just an industrial facility — it’s a symbol of our confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s future and our commitment to sustainable growth with local communities.”
Gbotta also unveiled plans to establish training programmes through the Dangote Academy, designed to equip young Ivorian engineers and technicians with world-class industrial and managerial skills.
Stéphane Tchimou, Commercial Director of Dangote Cement Côte d’Ivoire, emphasised the direct impact of the new facility on the nation’s builders and distributors. “Ivorian masons, craftsmen, and contractors need reliable, high-performance cement that’s available all year round. That’s why we chose to build one of our largest plants here,” he explained.
He added that Dangote Cement will introduce credit support and commercial assistance to empower local distributors and strengthen the entire value chain.
Beyond industrial operations, Dangote Cement is rolling out community development initiatives around the Attingué plant, including access roads, potable water projects, and support for local health facilities, in partnership with local authorities and NGOs.
“The risks in Africa are often overstated,” noted Aliko Dangote, Founder and President of the Dangote Group. “This continent overflows with opportunity. Our role is to tell a new story, that of an Africa that produces, innovates, and builds for its people.”
Dangote Cement’s Ivorian operation will produce multiple grades of cement — CPJ 32.5R for masonry, CPJ 42.5N for buildings, and CPA 52.5 for major infrastructure — ensuring reliable supply for all construction needs. The Attingué plant, built with cutting-edge technology, will enable Côte d’Ivoire to significantly reduce cement imports and evolve into a regional export hub.