Q1 2026: Dangote Cement increases exports by 71.6% as capacity…

Dangote Cement PLC recorded a strong performance in the first quarter of 2026, increasing its cement and clinker exports from Nigeria by 71.6%, as the Group’s total installed production capacity reached 55 million tonnes per annum (MTA) across Africa.

During the period under review, the company completed 10 clinker shipments from Nigeria to neighboring markets, further cementing its position as Africa’s leading cement exporter.

According to the company’s first-quarter 2026 unaudited financial results, total sales volumes increased 13.8% year-on-year, driven by growth of 11.5% in Nigeria and 19.5% across its pan-African businesses.

Commenting on the performance, Group Managing Director and CEO of Dangote Cement PLC, Arvind Pathak, said the results reflect the strength of the company’s operating model and its disciplined execution in the markets.

“We made an exceptional start to 2026, with revenues growing 20.4% year-on-year to ₦1.198 trillion, led by a strong recovery in volumes that grew 13.8% in our markets. EBITDA increased 22.8% to ₦567.1 billion, demonstrating the strength of our operating model, disciplined cost control and our ability to convert growth into superior profitability,” he stated. said.

For the quarter, Dangote Cement reported pre-tax profit of ₦421.1 billion, representing a 35% increase from ₦311.9 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. Earnings per share rose to ₦19.14, from ₦12.29, underlining sustained value creation for shareholders.

On exports and expansion, Pathak noted the rapid scaling of Dangote Cement’s export business and progress in key growth projects.

“Our export business continues to grow rapidly, with volumes from Nigeria growing by 71.6% and 10 clinker shipments completed in the quarter.

This performance strengthens our strategic position as Africa’s leading cement exporter,” he said.

“Following the commissioning of our 3 million tonne milling plant in Côte d’Ivoire, we are progressing well with our expansion projects in Itori and Ethiopia, along with other growth initiatives across the continent. ÙThese investments will further strengthen our presence and keep us firmly on track to reach 80 million tonnes of production capacity by 2030.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the year, Pathak expressed confidence in the company’s growth prospects.

“We entered the year with strong momentum and a clear strategic focus. Demand in our markets remains resilient, our expansion pipeline is delivering results, and our operational discipline continues to drive margin improvement. We remain confident in sustaining this growth trajectory and consistently delivering long-term value to our shareholders.”

Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer, with an installed capacity of 55.0 MTA across the continent. As a fully integrated quarry-to-customer producer, the company operates a capacity of 35.25 MTA in Nigeria, where its Obajana plant in Kogi State, the largest in Africa, has a capacity of 16.25 MTA across five lines. The Ibese plant in Ogun State has 12MTA, the Gboko plant in Benue State has 4MTA, while the Okpella plant in Edo State has 3MTA.

Through sustained investment, Dangote Cement has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on cement imports and transformed the country into a net exporter of cement and clinker, supplying markets in Central and West Africa.

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