Dangote Cement to Launch Côte d’Ivoire Plant as Profit Soars 174% on Export Surge

Dangote Cement Plc is set to commission a new 3 million metric tonnes per annum (3Mta) grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire by the third quarter of 2025, a move the company says will further strengthen its pan-African presence and boost regional exports.

The announcement was made by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Arvind Pathak, in a statement submitted to the Nigerian Exchange limited. He revealed that export volumes from Nigeria grew by 18.2%, with 18 clinker shipments successfully delivered to Ghana and Cameroon, underlining the growing importance of Dangote Cement’s operations beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“This demonstrates the growing importance of our pan-African footprint and our ongoing commitment to regional trade and self-sufficiency,” Pathak said.

The new Ivorian plant is part of a broader strategy by the company to expand its production capacity across Africa while enhancing supply chains and export infrastructure. Dangote Cement currently has 52.0Mta capacity spread across 10 African countries, including 35.25Mta in Nigeria alone. Its Obajana plant in Kogi State remains Africa’s largest, with 16.25Mta capacity.

The company also reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, driven by improved operational efficiency and cost management. Group EBITDA rose by 41.8% to ₦944.9 billion, while group profit surged by 174.1%.

“This remarkable performance is a testament to our disciplined execution, strong cost leadership, and the strategic investments we have made over the years,” said Pathak.

As part of its cost-cutting and environmental sustainability efforts, the company has begun the phased deployment of 1,600 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks. The new fleet is expected to significantly reduce logistics expenses and carbon emissions.

Industry analysts say Dangote Cement’s performance highlights the potential of Nigerian manufacturers to compete regionally. “Dangote Cement’s export growth and profitability show that industrialisation and regional integration can work hand in hand,” said industrial analyst Dr. Nnenna Ude.

With existing operations in Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Ethiopia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia, Dangote Cement has played a major role in eliminating Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and transforming the country into a net exporter of cement and clinker.

The Côte d’Ivoire plant, once operational, will deepen that impact, supporting West Africa’s infrastructure development and positioning Dangote Cement as a dominant force in the continent’s construction value chain.