Dangote Cement Plc says it is accelerating its pan-African expansion, targeting 80 million tonnes annual production capacity and 10 million tonnes of cement and clinker exports by 2030.
The Chairman of the company, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh disclosed at the 17th Annual General Meeting in Lagos that the expansion strategy was driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, housing deficits, and population growth across Africa.
According to him, the company is positioning itself to play a leading role in Africa’s industrialization.
He said the commissioning of its three million tonnes per annum grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire in 2025 increased the company’s installed capacity across Africa to 55 million tonnes annually.
He added that construction of the six million tonnes per annum Itori Integrated Cement Plant in Ogun was progressing as scheduled and would strengthen domestic supply and export capacity.
“We are positioned not just to participate in Africa’s growth, but to shape it.
“Our target of 80 million tonnes annual capacity by 2030 will contribute billions in annual revenue, generate foreign exchange through exports and demonstrate operational excellence across multiple African markets,” he said.
Reviewing the company’s 2025 performance, Ikazoboh said group revenue rose by 20.3 per cent to N4.307 trillion, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, EBITDA, grew by 43.4 per cent to N1.981 trillion.
He said Nigerian operations recorded stronger performance, with EBITDA increasing by 62.2 per cent to N1.764 trillion, driven by robust sales and improved cost efficiency.
“In spite of a complex operating environment, 2025 stands as the most successful year in Dangote Cement’s history.
“Our performance demonstrates that strategic positioning and operational excellence enable us to capitalize on improving economic conditions,” he said.
Ikazoboh said cement and clinker exports from Nigeria increased by 18.6 per cent to 1.4 million tonnes in 2025.
He expressed optimism that the African Continental Free Trade Area would deepen regional trade and reward producers that invested ahead of demand.
He said the company would continue expanding exports while maintaining cost leadership through innovation, operational efficiency and cleaner energy solutions.
Ikazoboh said Dangote Cement had deployed more than 3,000 compressed natural gas, CNG, trucks and over 1,000 dual-fuel trucks to improve logistics.
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According to him, the fleet, the largest CNG deployment in Africa’s cement industry, has significantly reduced operating costs while supporting environmental sustainability.
He said the company would continue strengthening corporate governance, sustainability, innovation and stakeholder engagement to create long-term value for shareholders.
Also speaking, the Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Arvind Pathak attributed export growth to improved operational efficiency, enhanced logistics infrastructure and rising regional demand.
Pathak said clinker shipments increased from 10 vessels three years ago to 34 in 2025, representing a five-year compound annual growth rate of 33 per cent.
He said the Apapa and Onne export terminals had strengthened the company’s capacity to serve regional markets while reducing Africa’s dependence on cement imports from Europe and Asia.
According to him, investment in CNG-powered trucks has reduced fuel costs by more than 60 per cent compared with diesel-powered vehicles.
He added that the company planned to convert its entire Nigerian logistics fleet to CNG by 2027, while electric trucks would be introduced in some African markets where gas infrastructure remained inadequate.
Pathak expressed confidence that Africa’s urbanization and infrastructure development would sustain long-term cement demand and support the company’s planned expansion.
Shareholders commended the company’s 2025 performance, expansion strategy and dividend payout.
The President of Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Adebisi Bakare described Dangote Cement as Africa’s leading cement manufacturer and praised its resilience despite macroeconomic challenges.
She welcomed the 20.3 per cent revenue growth to N4.307 trillion and the declaration of a N45 dividend per share, representing a 50 per cent increase from the N30 paid in the previous year.
Dr Farouk Umar, President and Association for Advancement of Right of Nigerian Shareholders, also commended the company’s improved profitability, debt reduction, logistics efficiency and continued expansion across Africa.
Similarly, the National Chairman, New Dimension Shareholders Association, Mr. Patrick Ajudua praised Dangote Cement for transforming Nigeria from a cement-importing nation into a major exporter.
He said the achievement had strengthened Nigeria’s self-sufficiency and expanded its footprint in regional and international markets.
NAN
