Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote has struck a landmark $4.2 billion deal with Chinese energy giant GCL Group to power what is set to become East Africa’s largest fertilizer complex.

The agreement, led by the Dangote Group, includes a long-term natural gas supply arrangement that will provide the energy needed to run the massive facility. The project is expected to be based in Ethiopia, positioning the country as a key industrial hub in the region.

Under the deal, GCL Group will supply gas over a 25-year period, ensuring consistent energy flow for fertilizer production at scale. This is a critical component, as energy costs and supply stability are major factors in large industrial and agricultural processing plants.

The fertilizer complex aims to significantly boost production capacity across East Africa, reducing the region’s dependence on imported agricultural inputs. With rising global fertilizer prices, the project could help stabilize costs for farmers while improving crop yields and food security.

Industry experts say the partnership represents one of the most significant China–Africa industrial collaborations in recent years, combining infrastructure, energy, and agriculture into a single transformative project.

For Dangote, the deal further expands his industrial footprint beyond Nigeria, reinforcing his influence across Africa’s manufacturing and energy sectors. For the region, it signals a major step toward agricultural self-sufficiency and long-term economic growth.