Dangote Launches Sugar Refinery to Boost Ghana’s Agriculture

By Adonis Byemelwa

If we’re serious about transforming agriculture in Africa, we need to start by investing directly in Africa. For me, that journey begins right now — in the heart of Ghana. Over the years, I’ve realized that real, lasting transformation doesn't originate solely in boardrooms or through policies. It begins on the ground — with the soil, with the people, and with a commitment to develop industries that generate value from within.

 As an industrialist and a proud son of this continent, I’ve always believed in Africa’s potential not just as a consumer, but as a producer. That belief has led me to launch one of our most ambitious projects yet.

In the town of Kwame-Danso, in Ghana’s Bono Region, we’re building something that goes far beyond infrastructure. We are laying the foundation for agricultural sovereignty. As part of Ghana’s “One District, One Factory” initiative, my team and I have broken ground on a state-of-the-art sugar refinery. But this is more than just a factory — it’s the nucleus of a much broader agricultural ecosystem.

When completed, the refinery will have the capacity to process 12,000 tons of sugarcane each day. To support this, we are developing 25,000 hectares of irrigated farmland, which will provide consistent, high-quality feedstock for the plant. But we’re not stopping at refined sugar. This complex will also produce molasses and ethanol, helping to maximize the use of raw materials and contribute to a more diversified, resilient local economy.

Why sugar, you may ask? Every year, Ghana imports more than $160 million worth of sugar. That’s $160 million leaving African soil — money that could be creating jobs, supporting farmers, and circulating within our economies. By replacing even, a portion of these imports with locally produced sugar, we’re not only improving food security; we’re investing in Ghana’s economic independence.

This project will create thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly. From sugarcane farmers and factory technicians to transport operators, agro-dealers, equipment suppliers, and food vendors, the ripple effect will reach deep into communities. Beyond employment, it also builds skills, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose for young people and rural dwellers who often feel left behind in conversations about economic development.

But there’s something more personal that drives me here. Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed firsthand the untapped potential of African agriculture. We have the land, the labor, and the climate. What we often lack is the long-term investment and the belief that we can process what we grow — that we can move up the value chain rather than exporting raw materials and importing finished goods.

This refinery is my response to that reality. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when we invest in our people, trust in our capacity, and work with governments to build enabling environments. The "One District, One Factory" initiative is a powerful model — and I believe other African nations can adapt it to suit their local needs and unlock similar benefits.

Ultimately, this is not just about Ghana. It’s about the future of Africa — a future where we feed ourselves, where we add value locally, and where our industries empower our people rather than deplete our resources.

This is not just another business venture. It is, in many ways, a deeply personal mission — to help reshape the narrative of African development, starting with one crop, one district, and one community at a time. The journey has begun in Kwame-Danso — and I hope it inspires others to rise and build in their corners of the continent.