Dangote Cement: Abidjan to Host a New Plant Soon

Dangote Cement Plc, the largest cement producer on the African continent, is continuing its regional expansion strategy with the upcoming launch of a grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire with a capacity of 3 million metric tons per year (Mt/a), according to Business Insider Africa. The plant is scheduled to begin operations in the third quarter of 2025 and aims to strengthen the group’s presence in West Africa while meeting the growing demand for construction materials.

A Strategic Location in West Africa

The decision to set up operations in Côte d’Ivoire aligns with a broader context of rapid urban development across the region. Fast-paced urbanization, combined with infrastructure projects led by governments, is significantly driving up cement demand. By opting for a grinding plant instead of a fully integrated cement factory, Dangote Cement is optimizing local production while leveraging its existing logistics network based in Nigeria.

This strategy has already led to an 18.2% increase in export volumes from Nigeria, with regular shipments to markets such as Ghana and Cameroon. The Ivorian plant is expected to further streamline regional deliveries and enhance the group's competitiveness in the long term.

A Growing Group Despite Headwinds

Despite facing monetary and logistical challenges, Dangote Cement has posted its strongest profit growth in nearly six years. This performance is largely attributed to the stabilization of the naira, rising cement prices, and strategic logistics decisions.

One of the key optimization levers introduced by the group is the gradual rollout of 1,600 additional trucks powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). This move is expected to significantly cut logistics costs, improve the company’s environmental performance, and offer a sustainable response to soaring fossil fuel prices.

Industrial Capacity at a Continental Scale

With a total installed capacity of 48.6 Mt/a, Dangote Cement remains a dominant force in the cement industry across Africa. Of this total, 32.3 Mt/a is based in Nigeria, while the remaining 16.3 Mt/a is spread across nine other countries, including Tanzania, Ethiopia, the Republic of Congo, and South Africa.

In parallel with the Ivorian project, the group resumed construction in March 2025 of its production site in Itori, Ogun State, Nigeria a project valued at $800 million. This plant, with a capacity of 6 Mt/a, is expected to be operational by November 2026, further strengthening the group’s industrial footprint.

Long-Term Ambitions Focused on Value and Sustainability

In an industry under increasing economic and environmental pressure, Dangote Cement reaffirms its commitment to sustainable growth. Its current priorities include cost optimization, carbon footprint reduction, and long-term value creation for stakeholders.