Dangote Cement to Launch $3 Billion Grinding Plant in Côte d’Ivoire as African Expansion Accelerates
Dangote Cement Plc, Africa’s largest cement producer, is set to commission a new 3 million metric tonnes per annum (Mta) grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire by the third quarter of 2025. The project marks a major step in the company’s regional growth strategy and solidifies its ambition to be the leading cement manufacturer across the continent.
The new plant, valued at an estimated $3 billion, is expected to boost Dangote’s production and export capacity in West Africa, enhancing access to key markets like Ghana, Cameroon, and beyond.
Cementing a Pan-African Presence
Speaking on the expansion, the company noted an 18.2% increase in export volumes from Nigeria, with multiple clinker shipments successfully delivered to Ghana and Cameroon—an achievement that underlines Dangote’s growing regional footprint.
“This facility reflects our continued commitment to intra-African trade and self-sufficiency,” said Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc. “We are focused on cost leadership, sustainability, and creating long-term value.”
Greener Logistics and Profit Momentum
As part of its sustainability and cost optimization efforts, Dangote Cement has begun the phased deployment of 1,600 CNG-powered trucks (compressed natural gas), which are expected to significantly reduce logistics costs and environmental impact.
This move aligns with the company’s broader commitment to energy efficiency and green logistics across its operations.
The announcement comes on the heels of a record-breaking financial quarter, with Dangote Cement posting its strongest profit growth in nearly six years, driven by a stable Nigerian naira and rising cement prices.
A Continental Powerhouse
Dangote Cement operates in more than 10 African countries, with an installed capacity of 48.6 Mta. Nigeria alone accounts for 32.3 Mta, while the remaining 16.3 Mta is spread across operations in Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, and others.
The Côte d’Ivoire project follows the company’s resumption of construction on its $800 million cement plant in Itori, Ogun State, Nigeria. The 6 Mta facility, currently under development, is expected to be completed by November 2026 and will further strengthen domestic supply in West Africa’s largest market.
Why It Matters
Côte d’Ivoire is one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with major investments flowing into infrastructure and construction. Dangote’s new plant positions the company to tap into this growth, reduce reliance on imports, and become a central player in regional cement supply.
This move also complements the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda, enabling smoother cross-border supply chains and accelerating industrialization across member states.
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and founder of the Dangote Group, continues to leverage scale, supply chain control, and infrastructure investments to cement his group’s dominance across multiple sectors—from cement to oil refining to agriculture.
