Dangote Cement Plc has posted a strong start to 2026, recording a significant increase in exports and higher sales volumes across its operations.
The company grew cement and clinker exports from Nigeria by 71.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, while its total installed production capacity across Africa rose to 55 million tonnes per annum (MTA).
The latest figures underline Dangote Cement’s expanding regional footprint and reinforce its position as Africa’s leading cement producer and exporter.
According to the company’s unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2026, Dangote Cement delivered strong growth in both production and sales during the period under review.
The company completed 10 clinker shipments from Nigeria to neighbouring African markets in the first three months of the year, reflecting a major increase in export activity.
Total sales volumes rose by 13.8 per cent year-on-year, supported by solid performance across both domestic and regional operations.
In Nigeria, sales volumes increased by 11.5 per cent, while the company’s pan-African business recorded even stronger growth of 19.5 per cent.
The performance highlights growing demand across key markets and demonstrates the company’s ability to expand beyond its home market while strengthening supply across the continent.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Dangote Cement also reported strong financial growth during the quarter, with revenue climbing sharply compared to the same period last year.
Group revenue rose by 20.4 per cent year-on-year to N1.198 trillion, driven largely by increased sales volumes and improved market momentum.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) also grew by 22.8 per cent to N567.1 billion.
The company’s profit before tax stood at N421.1 billion, representing a 35 per cent increase from the N311.9 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
Earnings per share rose significantly to N19.14, up from N12.29, reflecting continued value creation for shareholders and stronger profitability.
WHAT THE CEO SAID
Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, said the first quarter performance reflects the resilience of the company’s operating model and disciplined execution across multiple markets.
According to him, the company delivered an outstanding start to 2026, supported by strong growth in volumes, tighter cost control, and its ability to convert operational gains into higher profitability.
He noted that the broad-based growth recorded across both Nigerian and pan-African markets demonstrates the strength of the company’s long-term strategy.
Pathak also highlighted the rapid expansion of Dangote Cement’s export business, describing the first quarter results as a strong indicator of the company’s growing regional competitiveness.
He said export volumes from Nigeria increased by 71.6 per cent during the quarter, with 10 clinker shipments successfully completed to neighbouring countries.
According to him, the performance further strengthens Dangote Cement’s strategic position as Africa’s leading cement exporter.
The company’s growing export activity is expected to deepen regional trade integration while improving supply across West and Central African markets.
Beyond export growth, Dangote Cement is also pushing ahead with major expansion projects aimed at boosting long-term production capacity.
The company recently commissioned its 3 million tonnes per annum grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire, marking another milestone in its regional expansion drive.
It also confirmed that work is progressing steadily on key projects in Itori, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, alongside several other growth initiatives across the continent.
These investments form part of Dangote Cement’s broader strategy to increase efficiency, strengthen market presence, and meet growing demand across Africa.
ROAD TO 80 MILLION TONNES
With total installed production capacity now standing at 55 million tonnes per annum, Dangote Cement says it remains firmly on course to achieve its long-term production target.
The company is targeting 80 million tonnes per annum of production capacity by 2030.
Industry analysts say that if current expansion momentum continues, Dangote Cement could further consolidate its dominance in Africa’s cement industry while strengthening its position in cross-border exports and regional infrastructure development.
Dangote Cement’s first quarter 2026 performance reflects a strong combination of rising exports, growing sales volumes, improved profitability, and expanding production capacity.
As the company continues to scale operations across Africa, its latest results highlight a broader strategy focused on regional growth, export leadership, and long-term industrial expansion.
With fresh investments underway and demand rising across multiple markets, Dangote Cement appears to be positioning itself for even stronger growth in the years ahead.
