Dangote to build Africa’s largest detergent raw material plant, ending continental import reliance

Aliko Dangote has announced plans to construct Africa’s largest Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) plant within the Dangote Refinery complex, a move that will position Nigeria as the continent’s primary supplier of detergent feedstock.

The $20 billion refinery, already Africa’s largest crude processing facility, is evolving into a multi-product industrial hub. The new LAB facility will have an annual production capacity of 400,000 tonnes—significantly surpassing the combined output of existing plants in Algeria (100,000 tonnes) and Egypt (50,000 tonnes).

Speaking during a tour of the refinery with Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Dangote emphasized the project’s scale and strategic importance.

“And that raw material for detergent will be sufficient for the entire African continent. It’s 400,000 tonnes, which we don’t have. The only two are one in Algeria, 100,000 tonnes, and Egypt, 50,000. But we are going 400,000. And we will deliver all this in the next 30 months,” Dangote stated.

Linear Alkyl Benzene is a critical petrochemical used in the production of surfactants, the active cleaning agents in soaps and detergents. By producing this feedstock locally, the project aims to eliminate Africa’s heavy dependence on imports, stabilize supply chains for manufacturers, and reduce foreign exchange outflows.

The 30-month project underscores the refinery’s transition from a单纯的 fuel production site to a broader industrial ecosystem. Dangote described the complex as an “industrial hub,” signaling further integration between the refinery and other manufacturing ventures, including fertilizers and cement.

“They [NNPC] too will partner with us here because here is not a refinery. It’s an industrial hub. And that’s why we are doing a Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) plant, which is a raw material for detergents,” Dangote added.

The LAB expansion deepens the Dangote Group’s petrochemical footprint and aligns with Nigeria’s push for industrial self-sufficiency. With the refinery now moving steadily toward full-capacity fuel production, the new chemical plant is expected to further consolidate the country’s position in the global petrochemical market.

About the Dangote Group:
The Dangote Group is one of Africa’s largest conglomerates, with interests in refining, petrochemicals, fertilizers, cement, and agriculture.