Dangote plans 20,000MW power expansion across Africa

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and founder of the Dangote Group, is preparing a major move into power generation, outlining plans for a 20,000-megawatt project that would deepen his reach beyond refining, cement and fertiliser.

He disclosed the plan in a conversation with Makhtar Diop, saying energy remains one of the continent’s most urgent gaps.

“We are now going into power… 20,000 megawatts,” Dangote said, pointing to electricity, fertiliser and industrial inputs as Africa’s most pressing needs.

He did not disclose financing details or a timeline for the project. If delivered, the scale would far exceed Nigeria’s current grid capacity, which stands at roughly 13,000 megawatts, much of it unreliable due to transmission constraints and fuel shortages.

*Dangote’s $2.5 billion fertiliser plant, Ibeju Lekki Lagos, Nigeria.*

Betting on scale across sectors

Dangote also set out broader expansion plans across his industrial businesses. He said the group is increasing fertiliser output, targeting 12 million tonnes of urea, while developing potash and phosphate assets in Congo and Brazil.

He added that work is ongoing on a deep-sea port and liquefied natural gas projects, part of efforts to support manufacturing and exports.

“Today, in about two and a half years, we will be the largest fertiliser company in the world,” he said.

Dangote said improved cash flow and a lighter balance sheet are giving the group room to raise fresh funding.

“We are now free of constraints and can raise more money. Our cash flow is very strong,” he said.

*Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Nigeria, a 650,000-barrel-per-day facility under expansion toward 1.4 million barrels per day capacity.*

Dangote refinery set for expansion

That financial flexibility comes as the group expands its flagship refinery in Lagos. The 650,000-barrel-per-day plant, which began operations in 2023 and reached full output in early 2026, is being scaled up toward 1.4 million barrels per day.

The expansion, targeted for completion by 2028, could make it the world’s largest single-train refinery and support Nigeria’s fuel supply while boosting exports. The project is also expected to create about 95,000 skilled jobs at peak construction in the Lekki Free Zone.

Dangote, with an estimated net worth of $35.3 billion according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, continues to steer one of Africa’s most far-reaching private-sector industrial buildouts, spanning energy, infrastructure and manufacturing.