Dangote Unveils Africa’s Largest Tomato Processing Plant in Nigeria

The Dangote Group has launched Africa’s largest tomato processing plant in Northern Nigeria, a monumental US$20 million project set to change the country’s agriculture and reduce its dependence on imported tomato paste.

The factory, which has been in the works for five years, is set to process 400,000 metric tons of tomatoes annually, closing the gap between domestic production and demand. By ensuring a surplus for export, this initiative not only addresses local needs but also positions Nigeria as a key player in the global tomato market.

This ambitious project comes at a time when Nigeria, Africa’s largest importer of tomato paste, spends an estimated US$350 million yearly to bring in nearly 300,000 metric tons of the product, primarily from China.

The factory’s operations promise to slash importation costs, create thousands of jobs, and invigorate the country’s tomato value chain.

Additionally, this initiative demonstrates the Dangote Group’s commitment to fostering self-reliance and agricultural sustainability within Nigeria.

Despite being the second-largest producer of tomatoes in Africa, Nigeria faces huge challenges that undermine its agricultural potential. Of the 1.8 million metric tons of tomatoes harvested annually, nearly 40% is lost due to post-harvest issues, including inadequate storage and transportation infrastructure. These losses have crippled efforts to maximize yields and meet domestic demand, leaving the market heavily reliant on imports.

To address these setbacks, the Dangote Group has established a mega greenhouse nursery capable of producing 300 tons of hybrid tomato seedlings each year.

This facility provides farmers with high-yielding seedlings, enabling them to cultivate better-quality tomatoes and increase productivity. The project also includes training programs and access to improved farming techniques to empower local growers and enhance the agricultural value chain.