Dangote Cement Plc has signed a $1 billion-plus strategic framework agreement with Sinoma International Engineering (China) to execute 12 projects across seven African countries, a move the company says will accelerate capacity growth and deepen its manufacturing footprint on the continent.
The agreement, signed in Lagos, forms part of Dangote Cement’s long-range plan to lift installed production capacity to 80 million tonnes per annum by 2030, aligning with the Dangote Group’s broader Vision 2030 ambition to scale revenues.
Aliko Dangote, Founder and President of Dangote Group, described the programme as “critical enablers” for optimising assets and meeting rising construction demand across Africa’s growth corridors. Analysts following the sector see the expansion as a play for scale lower unit costs, improved plant efficiency and stronger pricing power in markets where cement demand typically tracks public infrastructure spending and private real estate cycles.
Project scope spans both new builds and upgrades. The pipeline includes a new integrated production line in Nigeria paired with a satellite grinding unit, fresh lines in Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Sierra Leone and Cameroon and expansions/modernisation work across existing Nigerian locations including Itori, Apapa, Lekki, Port Harcourt and Onne.
Under the framework, Sinoma will manage delivery across construction and technical upgrades covering greenfield developments, brownfield expansions and plant modernisation aimed at improving operating efficiency while strengthening distribution links to serve domestic demand and regional export routes.
The deal lands at a time when large-scale cement producers are positioning for a new wave of infrastructure investment across the continent, but also navigating cost pressures (energy, FX and logistics). For Dangote Cement, the prize is twofold: consolidate leadership in core markets while building export optionality through a wider, more resilient production network.
