LAGOS, Nigeria – Dangote Cement Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable industrialisation, unveiling a comprehensive environmental, social and governance (ESG) scorecard that outlines ambitious plans to expand production capacity, reduce carbon emissions, strengthen exports and deepen investments in people and communities as part of its long-term Vision 2030 strategy.
The company presented its 2025 Sustainability Scorecard during its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, where Chairman Emmanuel Ikazoboh told shareholders that sustainability has evolved beyond regulatory compliance to become a central pillar of Dangote Cement’s long-term business strategy.
Okay News reports that the company is targeting an increase in its installed production capacity to 80 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030 while simultaneously pursuing cleaner production methods, expanding export infrastructure and embedding ESG principles across its operations in Africa.
Ikazoboh said Dangote Cement’s sustainability agenda is fully aligned with the broader Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) Vision 2030, which seeks to build a globally competitive industrial group rooted in innovation, resilience and responsible growth.
As part of its decarbonisation strategy, the company disclosed that it approved plans in 2024 to further reduce its net carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions intensity by 20 per cent, while accelerating the transition to cleaner transportation across its logistics operations.
He announced that by 2027, all fleet trucks operating in Nigeria, except those serving the Gboko Plant, would operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), while electric trucks are expected to join the company’s fleet from 2026.
Dangote Cement also announced plans to strengthen its position as Africa’s leading cement exporter through expanded port infrastructure at Apapa, Onne and Lekki, alongside new investments that will extend its manufacturing footprint into Botswana and Zimbabwe.
The company said these initiatives are designed to support growing demand across the continent while reinforcing Africa’s industrial competitiveness.
Beyond production expansion, Dangote Cement highlighted significant progress in workforce development and social investment during the review period.
According to the company, it created 625 direct green jobs across its operations, increased graduate trainee recruitment by 74 per cent, and raised social investment spending by 56 per cent.
The cement manufacturer also disclosed that it invested ₦2.1 billion in employee training and development as part of efforts to build a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting future industrial growth.
On environmental performance, Dangote Cement reported measurable improvements across several key indicators.
The company said it achieved a 6.5 per cent reduction in carbon emissions intensity compared to its 2021 baseline, improved energy efficiency by 1.7 per cent, reduced overall energy consumption by 4 per cent, and lowered water consumption by 8 per cent.
It attributed the improvements to increased use of alternative fuels, better energy management systems and continued efforts to reduce clinker content in cement production.
The company also announced progress in its circular economy initiatives, revealing that its DangCircular programme successfully co-processed more than 437,000 tonnes of waste as alternative fuel, reducing reliance on conventional fossil fuels while improving resource efficiency.
As part of its biodiversity programme, Dangote Cement launched the Dangote Tree-to-Forest Programme, which aims to restore 200 hectares of land in each country where it operates over the next five years through the planting of 700 trees per hectare.
The initiative, according to the company, is expected to strengthen ecosystem restoration efforts while supporting climate resilience through carbon sequestration.
Dangote Cement also strengthened its governance framework by introducing an Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Policy, a Biodiversity Policy, and a Disability Inclusion Policy, while integrating 297 local vendors into its ESG-focused supply chain programme.
The company said executive accountability, climate risk oversight and ESG performance management are now fully embedded within its strategic and operational decision-making processes.
Reflecting on the company’s sustainability journey, Dangote Cement noted that its ESG transformation began in 2017 with the introduction of the Dangote Seven Sustainability Pillars and the adoption of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting standards.
Since then, it has introduced sustainability champions programmes, executive ESG accountability systems, climate disclosure frameworks, biodiversity restoration projects and enterprise-wide sustainability policies that now guide every aspect of its operations.
The company also disclosed that its climate governance initiatives have strengthened its standing with international disclosure organisations, earning a B rating for climate and water security disclosures from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). It added that it has committed to voluntarily adopting the IFRS Sustainability Standards ahead of mandatory implementation.
Ikazoboh described sustainability as the foundation upon which Dangote Cement intends to achieve its long-term ambitions.
“As we build Africa’s largest and most sustainable cement business, we are creating a platform for long-term growth, resilience and shareholder value. Our sustainability strategy is not separate from our business strategy, it is the foundation upon which we will achieve Vision 2030. 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 said.
Dangote Cement maintained that its sustainability roadmap remains a critical enabler of Vision 2030 by ensuring industrial expansion is pursued alongside environmental stewardship, workforce development, stronger governance and responsible management of natural resources.
