Lagos: Dangote Cement Plc has announced its ambitious plans to expand its pan-African operations, with the goal of achieving an annual production capacity of 80 million tonnes and exporting 10 million tonnes of cement and clinker by 2030. The announcement was made by the company’s chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, during the 17th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ikazoboh highlighted that the company’s expansion strategy is fueled by factors such as rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, housing deficits, and population growth across Africa. He emphasized that Dangote Cement is positioning itself to play a pivotal role in Africa’s industrialization. The upcoming commissioning of a three million tonnes per annum grinding plant in C´te d’Ivoire by 2025 is expected to increase the company’s installed capacity across Africa to 55 million tonnes annually. Meanwhile, the construction of the six million tonnes per annum Itori Integrated Cement Plant in Ogun is progressing as planned, aiming to bolster both domestic supply and export capacity.
“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,” Ikazoboh stated. Reviewing the company’s 2025 performance, he noted that group revenue rose by 20.3 percent to N4.307 trillion, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) growing by 43.4 percent to N1.981 trillion. The Nigerian operations showcased a stronger performance, with EBITDA increasing by 62.2 percent to N1.764 trillion, driven by robust sales and improved cost efficiency.
Ikazoboh also reported an 18.6 percent increase in cement and clinker exports from Nigeria, amounting to 1.4 million tonnes in 2025. He expressed optimism about the African Continental Free Trade Area’s potential to deepen regional trade and reward forward-thinking producers. The company plans to continue expanding its exports while maintaining cost leadership through innovation, operational efficiency, and cleaner energy solutions. The deployment of over 3,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks and more than 1,000 dual-fuel trucks has significantly reduced operating costs while supporting environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, Group Managing Director Mr. Arvind Pathak attributed the export growth to improved operational efficiency, enhanced logistics infrastructure, and rising regional demand. Pathak noted that clinker shipments increased from 10 vessels three years ago to 34 in 2025, representing a five-year compound annual growth rate of 33 percent. He added that investment in CNG-powered trucks has reduced fuel costs by more than 60 percent compared to diesel-powered vehicles. The company aims to convert its entire Nigerian logistics fleet to CNG by 2027 and plans to introduce electric trucks in some African markets where gas infrastructure is inadequate.
Shareholders praised the company’s 2025 performance, expansion strategy, and dividend payout. Mrs. Adebisi Bakare, President of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, lauded Dangote Cement’s resilience despite macroeconomic challenges, highlighting the 20.3 percent revenue growth to N4.307 trillion and the declaration of a N45 dividend per share. Dr. Farouk Umar, President of the Association for Advancement of Right of Nigerian Shareholders, commended the company’s improved profitability, debt reduction, and logistics efficiency. Similarly, Mr. Patrick Ajudua, National Chairman of the New Dimension Shareholders Association, acknowledged Dangote Cement’s transformation of Nigeria from a cement-importing nation to a major exporter, enhancing Nigeria’s self-sufficiency and market footprint.