Dangote Refinery’s Polypropylene Debuts as Industry Game Changer at PROPAK West Africa 2025

Dangote Refinery’s Polypropylene Debuts as Industry Game Changer at PROPAK West Africa 2025

Lagos, Nigeria – Locally produced polypropylene from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has been hailed as a transformative milestone for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, following its showcase at PROPAK West Africa 2025, the region’s premier exhibition for packaging, plastics, printing, and processing.

At the 12th edition of the annual event in Lagos, the product drew widespread acclaim from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), event organisers, and global industry players, who described it as a long-awaited breakthrough for both domestic and international markets.

Produced at the massive Dangote complex in Lagos, the polypropylene product effectively ends Nigeria’s decades-long dependence on imports of the critical raw material. With the country currently meeting about 90% of its needs through imports, the new local supply offers manufacturers and distributors a high-quality, reliable alternative.

Dr. Segun Alabi, Assistant Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at MAN, confirmed the association’s readiness to partner with Dangote to accelerate adoption.

“Polypropylene is a vital raw material for many of our members, and the introduction of a locally produced supply will ease the pressure on importers,” Alabi said. “Dangote is producing in surplus, which means demand can now be met both locally and internationally. Instead of relying on imports, users can now source locally. We’re fully prepared to work with Dangote to push polypropylene into the Nigerian market and even export it as a source of foreign exchange.”

The event organisers also applauded Dangote’s presence. George Pearson, Regional Director for West Africa at Montgomery Group Afrocet, said Dangote’s participation added prestige and impact to the exhibition.

“Dangote is not just an exhibitor, but a partner and sponsor. The brand’s stature elevates the event. As a major buyer of international machinery and a critical supplier within the packaging value chain, Dangote is uniquely positioned to transform the industry,” Pearson stated, adding that the refinery’s operations would reduce imports, strengthen the naira, and boost local manufacturing.

International partners echoed the sentiment. Mr. Shridhar Krishnamurthy, General Manager of Export Operations (Nigeria) at Vinmar International LLC, described the development as “nothing short of transformational.”

“The new polypropylene product is already attracting global attention. Many plastic producers are eager to collaborate with Dangote. It’s high time Africa had a reliable, high-quality supplier, and we’re excited to partner in taking this product global,” Krishnamurthy said.

Since commencing operations in March 2025, the Dangote polypropylene facility has become the largest plant of its kind in Africa, with an annual production capacity of 830,000 metric tonnes. Supplied locally in 25kg bags, the product is also primed for the international market through a strategic partnership with Vinmar Group, a leading global distributor of petrochemicals.

Nigeria currently imports about 250,000 metric tonnes of polypropylene annually, but with Dangote’s production now in play, the country is expected not only to close its supply gap but also emerge as a net exporter.

The global polypropylene industry is projected to grow by more than 25 million metric tonnes by 2030, and industry leaders say Nigeria, with Dangote’s entry, is now positioned to play a significant role in shaping that growth.