Dangote Cement Plc has signed a landmark $1 billion deal with Sinoma International Engineering to build new cement plants and expand existing facilities across Africa. This represents one of the most significant industrial investments on the African continent in recent years.
The agreement, signed in Lagos, covers 12 projects across seven African countries and is at the heart of Dangote Cement’s strategy to expand its production capacity to 80 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030. This expansion is in line with Dangote Group’s broader Vision 2030 ambition to generate $100 billion in revenue within the same period.
Strengthening domestic advantages and growing exports
The new project aims to increase production, improve operational efficiency and strengthen Dangote Cement’s leadership in the domestic market, while expanding exports across Africa.
Under this framework agreement, Sinoma International Engineering will provide:
New integrated production line Brownfield expansion Factory modernization and upgrade Satellite grinding unit to enhance distribution
Key projects include a new integrated line in northern Nigeria with a satellite grinding unit and new production lines in Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Sierra Leone and Cameroon. The existing Nigerian factories in Itoli, Apapa, Lekki, Port Harcourt and Onne will also be expanded.
According to Aliko Dangote, Founder and Managing Director of Dangote Group, these projects are “key enablers” aimed at optimizing assets and capturing Africa’s growing infrastructure demands. Analysts see the expansion as a strategic move to leverage economies of scale across key regional markets while filling supply gaps in a fast-growing economy.
Bridging Africa’s cement supply gap
Africa’s construction and infrastructure sector is rapidly expanding due to urbanization, industrialization, and public infrastructure investment. By increasing its installed capacity to 80 MTPA, Dangote Cement is positioned to meet growing domestic demand while reducing dependence on continental cement imports.
The company already operates integrated plants, grinding facilities and distribution networks across several African countries. The new investment will improve production efficiency, strengthen the logistics network and support long-term cost competitiveness.
In parallel, Dangote Cement expanded its gas sales and purchase agreements with Nigeria Gas Marketing Limited and NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited. These agreements will provide additional gas to supply higher production volumes, support the adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) in transportation and operations, and help reduce energy costs and emissions.
Part of a broader industrial ecosystem
The $1 billion cement expansion is not an isolated move. This forms part of Dangote Group’s broader industrial strategy spanning construction, energy and agriculture.
Dangote Fertilizer Factory has emerged as a regional hub for nitrogen-based fertilizers, supporting food production across West Africa. Meanwhile, the Dangote refinery is currently producing at the nameplate’s full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, supplying gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel to the Nigerian and other markets.
These investments reflect a concerted effort to build an integrated industrial ecosystem that supports Africa’s long-term economic transformation.
Milestones towards Vision 2030
As Dangote Cement accelerates capacity expansion and regional integration, the deal with Sinoma strengthens the company’s ambitions to shape the future of Africa’s industry. The company’s combination of scale, efficiency and strategic diversification has positioned it not only as Africa’s largest cement producer but also as a cornerstone of the continent’s infrastructure development plans.
