Dangote Cement Pushes Africa Toward Self-Sufficiency, Targets 90m-Tonne Capacity by 2030
By The People’s Voice Nigeria News
Dangote Cement Plc has reaffirmed its ambition to make Africa fully self-sufficient in cement production as it accelerates investments aimed at reducing reliance on imported construction materials and strengthening the continent’s industrial base.
The commitment was restated during a strategic briefing on the company’s expansion drive, where the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Mr. Arvind Pathak, said the firm is scaling up operations across African markets to close supply gaps and support rising infrastructure demand.
Pathak explained that the company’s strategy is anchored on continuous expansion, operational excellence, and a strong distribution network designed to meet Africa’s growing construction needs.
“Our vision is clear — to ensure Africa produces enough cement to meet its own needs,” Pathak said. “Through continuous expansion, operational excellence, and a strong distribution network, we are positioning Dangote Cement to power growth across the continent. We are not just building a business; we are building Africa’s future.”
According to him, Dangote Cement, Africa’s leading cement producer, is targeting a production capacity of 90 million metric tonnes per annum by 2030 as part of its long-term growth strategy.
He added that the company’s investments have already reshaped Nigeria’s cement industry, eliminating dependence on imports and transforming the country into a net exporter of cement to several neighbouring nations.
“Through our collective determination, we have eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and transformed the country into a net exporter of cement to several neighbouring nations,” Pathak said.
Dangote Cement currently operates in multiple African countries, with integrated plants, grinding facilities, and distribution hubs strategically positioned to serve diverse markets. Ongoing projects across its footprint include plant upgrades, capacity expansion initiatives, and the deployment of energy-efficient technologies aimed at reducing operational costs and lowering carbon emissions.
Reinforcing the company’s long-term vision, the founder and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, described cement self-sufficiency as both an economic necessity and a continental responsibility.
“Africa has no reason to depend on cement imports,” Dangote said. “We have the raw materials, the talent, and the determination. Our goal at Dangote Cement is to unlock Africa’s potential by ensuring that every nation on this continent can access affordable, high-quality cement produced within Africa. This is how we build prosperity, job opportunities, and sustainable development.”
Dangote added that the company’s investments reflect its commitment to enhancing Africa’s competitiveness and driving industrialisation across the continent.
With major infrastructure projects expanding across African cities from highways and bridges to housing developments cement demand continues to rise. Industry watchers say Dangote Cement’s renewed push toward continental self-sufficiency could help ease supply pressures, stabilise prices, and improve construction reliability in the years ahead.
Dangote Cement Plc is Africa’s largest cement producer, operating across several African countries, with a mission to provide high-quality, affordable cement products that support the continent’s infrastructural and economic development.
