Dangote Cement targets 20% emissions cut, expands capacity to 80mtpa
Dangote Cement Plans Significant Emission Reductions and Capacity Expansion
By Yinka Kolawole
LAGOS — Dangote Cement Plc has announced an ambitious plan to reduce its net carbon dioxide emissions intensity by 20% while increasing its production capacity to 80 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by 2030. The initiative aims to position the company as Africa’s most sustainable and globally competitive cement producer.
During the company’s 17th Annual General Meeting, Chairman Emmanuel Ikazoboh presented the 2025 Sustainability Scorecard, emphasizing that sustainability is now a core business strategy essential for growth and long-term value creation in its African operations.
Ikazoboh revealed that the company has adopted a new decarbonization roadmap, which includes transitioning nearly its entire Nigerian truck fleet to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by 2027, with the exception of the Gboko plant. Additionally, electric trucks are expected to be introduced starting in 2026.
To bolster its export capacity, Dangote Cement is expanding its port infrastructure in Apapa, Onne, and Lekki. The company is also pursuing investments to increase its production capacity to 80 mtpa by 2030, which includes new operations planned in Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Regarding the company’s environmental performance, Ikazoboh noted a reduction of 6.5% in emissions intensity since 2021. The company has also achieved a 1.7% decline in energy intensity, a 4% decrease in overall energy consumption, and an 8% reduction in water use. These improvements have been driven by the increased use of alternative fuels, energy-efficient technologies, and reduced clinker production.
Furthermore, Dangote Cement co-processed over 437,000 tonnes of waste as alternative fuel, significantly reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing resource efficiency.
In addition to environmental initiatives, the company created 625 direct green jobs in the past year and increased its social investment spending by 56%. Recruitment of graduate trainees rose by 74%, and investments in employee training totaled 2.1 billion naira.
Ikazoboh also highlighted advancements in Dangote Cement’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework, including the implementation of new policies for Artificial Intelligence Risk Management, Biodiversity, and Disability Inclusion. The integration of 297 local vendors into its ESG-focused supply chain program aims to enhance sustainable growth and support Africa’s transition to a low-carbon industrial economy.