Dangote Cement Records 71.6% Export Growth in Q1 2026

Dangote Cement Plc recorded a strong start to 2026, with cement and clinker exports from Nigeria rising by 71.6 per cent in the first quarter of the year.

The company’s total installed production capacity also reached 55 million tonnes per annum across Africa, strengthening its position as the continent’s leading cement producer and exporter.

During the quarter, Dangote Cement completed 10 clinker shipments from Nigeria to neighbouring markets. The performance reflects the company’s growing export push and its plan to use Nigeria as a supply base for other African markets.

Sales Volumes Improve Across Markets

According to the company’s unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2026, total sales volumes rose by 13.8 per cent year-on-year.

The growth was supported by an 11.5 per cent increase in Nigeria and a stronger 19.5 per cent rise across its pan-African operations.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, said the performance showed the strength of the company’s operating model and disciplined execution across its markets.

“We have delivered an outstanding start to 2026, with revenue up 20.4 per cent year on year to N1.198 trillion, driven by a strong rebound in volumes which grew 13.8 per cent across our markets.

EBITDA increased by 22.8 per cent to N567.1 billion, demonstrating the strength of our operating model, disciplined cost control, and our ability to convert growth into superior profitability,” he said.

Profit Before Tax Hits N421.1bn

For the period under review, Dangote Cement reported a profit before tax of N421.1 billion. This represents a 35 per cent increase from N311.9 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2025.

Earnings per share also rose to N19.14, up from N12.29 in the same period last year, indicating stronger value creation for shareholders.

Export Business Gains Momentum

Pathak said the company’s export business continued to grow quickly, supported by rising demand from neighbouring markets.

“Our export business continues to scale rapidly, with volumes from Nigeria up 71.6 per cent and 10 clinker shipments completed in the quarter. This performance reinforces our strategic position as Africa’s leading cement exporter,” he said.

Expansion Projects Continue

Dangote Cement is also deepening its presence across Africa through new and ongoing projects.

Pathak said the company had commissioned its 3MTA grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire and was making progress on expansion projects in Itori and Ethiopia.

He added that these investments would strengthen the company’s footprint and support its target of reaching 80 million tonnes of production capacity by 2030.

With stronger exports, higher sales volumes, improved earnings, and continued expansion across Africa, Dangote Cement has positioned itself for further growth in 2026.