---- Targets 80 Million Tonnes Capacity, 20% Emissions Reduction by 2030
Dangote Cement Plc has unveiled an ambitious sustainability roadmap aimed at reducing its carbon emissions by 20 per cent and expanding its production capacity to 80 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030, as it intensifies efforts to become Africa's most sustainable and globally competitive cement manufacturer.
The company disclosed the plans at its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, where it presented its 2025 Sustainability Scorecard to shareholders and reaffirmed its commitment to embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of its operations.
Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, said sustainability has evolved beyond regulatory compliance to become a key driver of the company's growth strategy, resilience and long-term value creation across Africa.
According to him, the company's sustainability agenda aligns with Dangote Industries Limited's Vision 2030, which seeks to build a globally competitive industrial powerhouse driven by innovation, responsible business practices and sustainable development.
As part of its decarbonisation strategy, Ikazoboh announced that Dangote Cement has approved plans to reduce its net carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions intensity by 20 per cent while accelerating its transition to cleaner energy sources and transportation.
He revealed that by 2027, all fleet trucks operating in Nigeria, except those at the Gboko plant, will run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), while electric trucks are expected to be introduced into the company's operations from 2026.
Beyond environmental targets, the cement giant also disclosed plans to consolidate its position as Africa's leading cement exporter through the expansion of port facilities at Apapa, Onne and Lekki, alongside fresh investments that will raise installed production capacity to 80 million tonnes annually by 2030.
The expansion programme will also see Dangote Cement establish new operations in Botswana and Zimbabwe, further strengthening its presence across the African continent.
On human capital development, the company reported significant progress in creating sustainable livelihoods, announcing the creation of 625 direct green jobs across its operations.
It also disclosed that graduate trainee recruitment increased by 74 per cent, while spending on community development projects rose by 56 per cent during the period under review.
To strengthen employee capacity, Dangote Cement invested ₦2.1 billion in staff training and development, describing the initiative as part of its strategy to become the employer of choice across its operating countries by promoting excellence, inclusion and innovation.
The company's environmental performance also recorded measurable improvements, with carbon emissions intensity declining by 6.5 per cent compared to its 2021 baseline.
Energy efficiency improved as energy intensity dropped by 1.7 per cent, overall energy consumption fell by four per cent, while water consumption reduced by eight per cent.
According to the company, these gains were driven by greater adoption of alternative fuels, improved energy efficiency and lower clinker utilisation, all of which form part of its long-term strategy for achieving a low-carbon future.
Dangote Cement also strengthened its corporate governance framework through the introduction of an Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Policy, Biodiversity Policy and Disability Inclusion Policy, while integrating 297 local vendors into its ESG-focused supply chain programme.
Ikazoboh said sustainability governance within the company has matured considerably over the past decade, with executive accountability, climate risk oversight and ESG performance now fully integrated into strategic and operational decision-making.
Highlighting the company's circular economy initiatives, he said the DangCircular programme successfully co-processed over 437,000 tonnes of waste as alternative fuel, significantly reducing dependence on fossil fuels while improving resource efficiency.
In another major environmental initiative, Dangote Cement launched its Tree-to-Forest Programme across all operational countries.
The programme aims to restore ecosystems by afforesting 200 hectares of land in each country of operation over the next five years through the planting of approximately 700 trees per hectare, thereby enhancing biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience through carbon sequestration.
The company traced its sustainability journey to 2017, when it established the Dangote Seven Sustainability Pillars and commenced reporting under the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework.
Since then, it has introduced sustainability champions across its operations, strengthened executive ESG accountability, expanded alternative fuel projects and implemented enterprise-wide sustainability policies.
Dangote Cement also disclosed that its climate governance efforts have earned improved ratings from international disclosure organisations, including a B rating from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for climate and water security disclosures.
The company added that it has committed to voluntarily adopting the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Standards ahead of regulatory requirements.
Describing sustainability as the engine driving Dangote Industries' Vision 2030, the company said its roadmap integrates industrial expansion with environmental stewardship, workforce development, sound governance and natural resource protection.
"Our sustainability strategy is not separate from our business strategy; it is the foundation upon which we will achieve Vision 2030," Ikazoboh said.
"As we build Africa's largest and most sustainable cement business, we are creating a platform for long-term growth, resilience and shareholder value. We invite investors to join us as we expand our footprint, deepen our export leadership and shape the future of sustainable industrialisation across Africa."
He stressed that the company remains committed to delivering sustainable value to shareholders while driving Africa's infrastructure development, economic transformation and environmental sustainability through responsible industrial growth.
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