Dangote’s Sugar Business Made $281 Million in Six Months

Aliko Dangote’s sugar empire is back in sweet form, pulling in a massive $281.7 million in revenue during the first half of 2025. The half-year performance marks a strong rebound for the Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), with revenue jumping by over 45 percent compared to the same period last year.

The boost didn’t come by accident. It was powered largely by the sale of 50kg sugar bags, Dangote Sugar’s bread and butter which accounted for nearly all the money made. D

espite inflation and ongoing challenges with logistics in Nigeria, demand for sugar stayed high in both retail and industrial markets.

How the losses dropped sharply

While the company is still in the red, it has made major progress. Its net loss dropped drastically, from over $49 million last year to just $0.41 million this year. That turnaround was helped by improved cost management and strong sales across Nigeria.

Lagos and Northern Nigeria drive sales

Lagos remains the top contributor to Dangote Sugar’s earnings, with over half of the company’s total revenue coming from Nigeria’s commercial capital. 

Sales in Lagos rose by about 27 percent, thanks to stronger distribution and solid consumer demand.

But it was Northern Nigeria that stole the spotlight. Revenue in the region nearly doubled, up by 98 percent, as the company dug deeper into the market and responded to rising demand from industries and retailers.

Western Nigeria also showed promise with an 18.8 percent increase in sales, while the Eastern region had more modest growth of just under 11 percent.

Market leader status remains

With a refining capacity of 1.44 million metric tonnes, Dangote Sugar remains Nigeria’s biggest sugar producer by a wide margin. It is majority-owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, whose grip on the company remains strong with a 68 percent stake.

Total assets of the sugar giant have also grown, rising to $676.5 million, an increase of nearly 45 percent from last year. 

However, the company still faces financial hurdles. Accumulated losses have nearly doubled to about $98 million, showing that challenges remain despite the recent revenue surge.

Sign of recovery

The numbers may not all be perfect, but the strong half-year performance signals that Dangote Sugar is finding its footing again. 

With its national reach, loyal customer base, and dominance in Nigeria’s sugar market, the company appears to be on a slow but steady path to recovery, despite the pressure of Nigeria’s tough economic climate.