Dangote Cement Plc, Africa’s largest cement producer, has recorded a massive N520.5 billion profit after tax for the first half of 2025, according to its unaudited financial results released to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
The profit represents a 174.1 per cent increase from the N189.9 billion posted during the same period in 2024. The company’s group revenue also rose by 17.7 per cent to N2.072 trillion in H1 2025, compared to N1.760 trillion in H1 2024, showing strong performance in a challenging economic environment.
In a statement, Arvind Pathak, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Dangote Cement, said the half-year result highlights the strength and resilience of the business, especially with rising demand across key markets and improvements in operational efficiency.
According to the statement, earnings per share (EPS) for the period grew from N11.26 in H1 2024 to N30.74 in H1 2025, a 173 per cent jump. Similarly, Group EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) rose by 41.8 per cent to N944.9 billion from N666.2 billion, while Nigeria’s EBITDA climbed significantly by 82.4 per cent to N845.4 billion.
Despite a 4.1 per cent drop in total group cement volume — down to 13.4 million tonnes (Mt) — the company achieved an 18.2 per cent rise in exports from Nigeria. A total of 671,100 tonnes of cement and clinker were exported in the period under review, with 18 clinker shipments sent to Ghana and Cameroon alone.
Pathak expressed optimism that the company’s pan-African footprint is yielding strong results. “We are pleased to report a solid performance in the first half of 2025, underscoring the strength, resilience, and adaptability of our business amidst improvements in key macroeconomic indicators,” he said.
He added that the company’s improved profit margins were driven by strategic pricing, focus on cost containment, and increasing operational efficiency.
“Our export business continues to play a critical role in our operations. While group volumes dropped slightly due to softer demand in certain key markets, we remain encouraged by the momentum in cross-border trade,” Pathak explained.
He also disclosed that the company has started deploying 1,600 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks across its logistics operations. This move, he noted, is part of Dangote Cement’s commitment to reducing transport costs and improving environmental sustainability.
“These trucks will not only reduce our dependency on diesel but also lower carbon emissions, aligning with our long-term environmental goals,” he said.
Dangote Cement, which has production facilities in Nigeria and other African countries, remains one of the continent’s most profitable and strategic companies. With the support of new board chairman, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, Pathak said the management is confident of driving long-term growth and delivering better returns to shareholders.
“Our focus going forward is to continue investing in innovation, strengthening our pan-African operations, and delivering sustainable value,” the CEO added.
Dangote Cement operates in 10 African countries and has maintained a consistent focus on self-sufficiency, regional trade, and infrastructure development in Nigeria and across the continent.
Analysts say the company’s strong financial performance in the first half of the year puts it in a good position to outperform its full-year targets despite economic challenges such as rising inflation, high energy costs, and currency fluctuations.
Meanwhile, the firm’s export growth supports Nigeria’s efforts to boost non-oil exports and increase foreign exchange earnings through manufacturing and industrial trade.
