Dangote Cement Plc said it will invest $1 billion over the next four years to expand production across Africa, aiming to capture growing demand from infrastructure projects across the continent.
The plan was outlined by Chief Financial Officer Gbenga Fapohunda during an investor call in Lagos on March 5, 2026.
The company intends to increase its production capacity by about 45 percent, reaching 80 million tonnes by 2030. Investment will focus on Nigeria, Ethiopia, and several other African markets, Fapohunda said, and will be funded through a mix of operating cash flow, supplier credit, commercial papers, bonds, and bank loans.
The move comes as African governments boost spending on infrastructure. According to the African Development Bank, sub-Saharan countries need roughly $170 billion annually to fund roads, ports, power plants, and other projects. Dangote Cement’s expansion positions the company to capitalize on that growth while strengthening its regional market share.
Exports are also a key element of the company’s strategy. Dangote Cement plans to increase shipments of cement and clinker to 10 million tonnes by 2030, up from 1.4 million tonnes in 2025. The company has been increasing its footprint beyond Nigeria to tap regional demand and diversify revenue streams.
Shares of Dangote Cement closed at N809 in Lagos on March 5, up 33 percent this year, outperforming the NGX All Share Index, which gained 26 percent over the same period. The company reported net income more than doubled to N1 trillion for the year ended December 31, despite a slight 0.9 percent decline in sales volumes to 27.5 million tonnes.
As part of its expansion, Dangote Cement recently signed a $1 billion deal with Sinoma International Engineering for the construction of 12 new plants and the upgrade of existing facilities across Africa. The agreement underscores the company’s ambition to broaden production capacity while meeting projected increases in regional demand.
The broader Dangote Group is also preparing a $1 billion project in Zimbabwe, which will include cement manufacturing, coal mining, and power generation. These investments align with the group’s long-term strategy to deepen its presence across the continent and secure a competitive position in Africa’s infrastructure-driven market.
Industry analysts said the expansion will allow Dangote Cement to maintain its market leadership amid growing competition from regional and international players. Rising government spending on infrastructure and urbanization trends are expected to continue driving demand for cement and other construction materials.
Dangote Cement’s plan reflects a broader trend among African industrial firms leveraging infrastructure growth as a platform for regional expansion. By combining local production, exports, and strategic partnerships, the company is positioning itself to benefit from long-term economic development across multiple markets.