Dangote Cement posted impressive results in the opening quarter of 2026. The Lagos-based manufacturer shipped 71.6 percent more cement and clinker from Nigeria compared to the same period last year.
Total production capacity across Africa now stands at 55 million tonnes annually. The company's financials through March 31 showed strong gains across all key metrics.
Sales volumes jumped 13.8 percent year-on-year in the three-month period. Nigeria's domestic market grew 11.5 percent while pan-African operations expanded 19.5 percent.
Profit before tax climbed to N421.1 billion from N311.9 billion in Q1 2025. That's a 35 percent increase in just twelve months.
Earnings per share rose to N19.14, up sharply from N12.29 previously. Shareholders have clearly benefited from the company's momentum.
Gross profit reached N749.3 billion against N587.4 billion the year before. Operating profit jumped to N506.2 billion from N397.4 billion.
Revenue climbed 20.4 percent to N1.198 trillion, according to unaudited results. EBITDA grew 22.8 percent to N567.1 billion.
Arvind Pathak, group managing director and CEO, credited disciplined execution. "We've delivered an outstanding start to 2026," he told reporters about the quarter's performance.
According to him, the volume rebound proved crucial to the bottom line. Strong cost control helped convert that growth into better profitability.
Export shipments accelerated dramatically during the quarter. Dangote completed ten clinker shipments from Nigeria alone.
Pathak noted the company's standing as Africa's top cement exporter. "Our export business continues to scale rapidly," he said at the results presentation.
A 3 million-tonne grinding facility in Côte d'Ivoire came online recently. This facility supports the company's broader African footprint.
Expansion projects are underway in Itori and Ethiopia right now. Several other growth initiatives are progressing across the continent as planned.
By 2030, Dangote aims to reach 80 million tonnes of capacity. These investments will significantly strengthen its regional position.
Looking forward, Pathak expressed confidence in sustained growth. Demand across markets remains resilient heading into the remainder of 2026.
"Our expansion pipeline is delivering results," the CEO added to investors. Operational discipline continues driving margin improvements quarter after quarter.
"We remain confident in sustaining this growth trajectory," Pathak noted. Long-term shareholder value creation stays central to strategy.
Nigeria accounts for 35.25 million tonnes of the group's total capacity. Obajana in Kogi State is Africa's largest cement plant with 16.25 million tonnes.
Ibese in Ogun State contributes 12 million tonnes annually. Gboko in Benue State adds 4 million tonnes to production.
All facilities operate on a fully integrated quarry-to-customer model. This integration gives Dangote control over its entire supply chain.
