Dangote Cement Plc has reported an impressive start to 2026, posting a profit before tax of ₦421.1 billion for the first quarter, alongside a sharp 71.6 per cent surge in cement and clinker exports from Nigeria to regional markets.
According to the company’s unaudited financial results, the export growth was driven by increased cross-border demand and improved logistics, with 10 clinker shipments completed to neighbouring African countries during the period. This reinforces the company’s dominant position as Africa’s leading cement exporter and a key player in regional infrastructure development.
The group’s installed production capacity rose to 55 million tonnes per annum (MTA) across Africa, reflecting ongoing investments in expansion projects. Total sales volumes increased by 13.8 per cent year-on-year, supported by an 11.5 per cent growth in Nigeria and an even stronger 19.5 per cent rise across its pan-African operations.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Arvind Pathak, described the results as an “exceptional start” to the year, highlighting the company’s ability to translate higher sales into stronger profitability. Revenue climbed by 20.4 per cent to ₦1.198 trillion, while EBITDA rose by 22.8 per cent to ₦567.1 billion, underscoring improved operational efficiency and disciplined cost control.
Profit growth was equally robust, with the ₦421.1 billion pre-tax figure representing a 35 per cent increase from ₦311.9 billion recorded in the same period of 2025. Earnings per share also saw a significant jump, rising from ₦12.29 to ₦19.14, reflecting enhanced shareholder value.
A key highlight of the quarter was the rapid expansion of export operations, which continues to position Nigeria as a major supply hub for cement and clinker across West and Central Africa. The company noted that its export strategy not only boosts foreign exchange earnings but also strengthens regional trade integration.
On the expansion front, Dangote Cement confirmed the commissioning of a new 3MTA grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire, alongside ongoing projects in Ethiopia and Itori in Ogun State, Nigeria. These projects are part of a broader plan to scale total production capacity to 80MTA by 2030, aligning with long-term growth ambitions and rising demand across African markets.
Currently, the company maintains 35.25MTA capacity in Nigeria, with major plants located in Obajana, Ibese, Gboko, and Okpella. Over the years, sustained investment in local production has reversed Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement, transforming the country into a net exporter.
Industry analysts say the company’s strong Q1 performance reflects both resilient construction demand and the effectiveness of its pan-African diversification strategy. With infrastructure development accelerating across many African economies, Dangote Cement appears well-positioned to sustain its growth trajectory.
Looking ahead, the company remains optimistic about 2026, citing stable demand, ongoing capacity expansion, and a growing export market as key drivers. It also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering long-term value to shareholders while supporting economic growth through industrialisation and regional trade.
