Dangote Cement Plc Grows Exports by 71.6% in Q1 2026 as Capacity Hits 55MTA

Dangote Cement Plc Grows Exports by 71.6% in Q1 2026 as Capacity Hits 55MTA

Dangote Cement Plc has reported a strong first-quarter performance for 2026, with cement and clinker exports from Nigeria surging by 71.6 per cent, as the Group’s total installed production capacity rose to 55 million tonnes per annum (MTA) across Africa.

The company disclosed in its unaudited financial results for Q1 2026 that it completed 10 clinker shipments from Nigeria to neighbouring African markets during the period, reinforcing its position as a leading exporter on the continent.

Total sales volumes grew by 13.8 per cent year-on-year, driven by a 11.5 per cent increase in Nigeria and a stronger 19.5 per cent growth across its pan-African operations.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Arvind Pathak, attributed the performance to operational efficiency and disciplined execution across markets.

He stated that revenue rose by 20.4 per cent year-on-year to ₦1.198 trillion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 22.8 per cent to ₦567.1 billion, reflecting strong cost control and improved profitability.

Profit before tax stood at ₦421.1 billion, marking a 35 per cent increase from ₦311.9 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. Earnings per share also climbed significantly to ₦19.14, compared to ₦12.29 in the same period last year.

On export expansion, Pathak noted that the company’s export volumes from Nigeria rose sharply, supported by increased clinker shipments and growing demand in regional markets.

He added that the recent commissioning of a 3MTA grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire and ongoing expansion projects in Itori, Nigeria, and Ethiopia are progressing as planned, forming part of the company’s broader strategy to scale production capacity to 80 million tonnes by 2030.

Looking ahead, the CEO expressed confidence in sustaining growth momentum, citing resilient demand, a robust expansion pipeline, and continued operational discipline.

Dangote Cement, Africa’s largest cement producer, currently operates 35.25MTA capacity in Nigeria. Its flagship Obajana plant in Kogi State, the largest in Africa, has a capacity of 16.25MTA, while Ibese in Ogun State has 12MTA, Gboko in Benue State 4MTA, and Okpella in Edo State 3MTA.

Through sustained investments, the company has played a key role in eliminating Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement, transforming the country into a net exporter supplying markets across West and Central Africa.