L–R: Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management, and Aliko Dangote, President/CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, during a meeting in Norway.
By Peace Udugba
Dangote Cement Plc has reported a strong performance in the first quarter of 2026, with cement and clinker exports from Nigeria rising by 71.6 per cent as the Group’s total installed capacity reached 55 million tonnes per annum across Africa.
During the period under review, the company completed 10 clinker shipments from Nigeria to neighbouring markets, further strengthening its position as Africa’s leading cement exporter.
According to its unaudited Q1 2026 financial results, total sales volumes increased by 13.8 per cent year-on-year, driven by 11.5 per cent growth in Nigeria and 19.5 per cent across its pan-African operations.
The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Arvind Pathak, said the results reflected the strength of the company’s operating model, disciplined execution, and strong demand across markets.
He said revenue rose by 20.4 per cent year-on-year to ₦1.198 trillion, supported by a rebound in volumes and operational efficiency.
Pathak added that earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 22.8 per cent to ₦567.1 billion, while profit before tax rose to ₦421.1 billion, compared to ₦311.9 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.
Earnings per share also climbed to ₦19.14 from ₦12.29, reflecting improved returns to shareholders.
On exports, he noted that Nigeria-origin shipments grew by 71.6 per cent, supported by increased regional demand and improved logistics execution.
“Our export business continues to scale rapidly, with 10 clinker shipments completed in the quarter. This reinforces our position as Africa’s leading cement exporter,” he said.
He further highlighted ongoing expansion projects, including a 3Mta grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as developments in Itori and Ethiopia, aimed at supporting the company’s long-term target of 80 million tonnes capacity by 2030.
Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, was also pictured during engagements in Norway, including a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Norges Bank Investment Management, Nicolai Tangen, as well as participation in a fireside chat session.
Dangote Cement stated that sustained investments have enabled Nigeria to become a net exporter of cement and clinker, supplying markets across West and Central Africa.
