Dangote, Sinoma sign $800 million deal to expand Itori Cement Plant 

Dangote Industries Limited, the largest conglomerate in West Africa, has signed an $800 million agreement with Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd. to double the production capacity of its Itori Cement Plant in Ogun state to 12 million metric tonnes a year from 6 million tonnes. 

The project is expected to increase Dangote Cement’s ability to meet demand in Nigeria while creating additional capacity for exports to other African markets. 

The agreement was signed by Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote and Sinoma Chairman Lin Zhong. It extends a long-running partnership between the two companies, which have worked together on cement projects across Africa.

Expansion targets domestic and export markets 

Dangote said the investment reflects the company’s confidence in Nigeria and comes as demand for cement rises across the country and elsewhere in Africa. 

He also pointed to the Federal Government’s renewed focus on concrete roads as a factor behind the expansion, saying higher cement demand would support the company’s plans to increase production across its operations. 

The project is also tied to Dangote Cement’s Vision 2030 target of reaching annual production of between 90 million and 100 million metric tonnes. 

“This $800 million investment represents another bold step in our commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base and reinforcing our leadership in Africa’s cement industry,” Dangote said. 

“The expansion of our Itori plant from six million to 12 million metric tonnes per annum will not only enhance our ability to meet growing domestic demand but also significantly increase our export capacity, thereby generating valuable foreign exchange for the country.” 

Dangote said the investment would create jobs, increase export earnings and support economic activity. He also credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration with creating conditions that have encouraged further investment in manufacturing and infrastructure. 

He described Sinoma as a reliable partner in the development of cement plants across Africa and said the latest project would add to Nigeria’s industrial capacity.

Sinoma to provide engineering expertise 

Zhong said the expansion would strengthen the relationship between Sinoma and Dangote Group while improving Dangote Cement’s competitiveness in African markets. 

“We are honoured to deepen our collaboration with Dangote Group through this landmark expansion project,” Zhong said. “Our partnership has produced some of the most modern and efficient cement manufacturing facilities in Africa.” 

He said Sinoma would provide its engineering expertise, technology and international experience to deliver the project. 

Once completed, the expanded Itori plant is expected to serve both Nigerian and regional markets, giving Dangote Cement more room to increase exports while supporting the country’s manufacturing and trade ambitions.

Dangote Cement expands as earnings rise 

Dangote Group, founded and led by Dangote, operates in 17 African countries across cement, energy, transport and manufacturing. Dangote Cement is the group’s largest listed business and has an installed production capacity of 55 million tonnes a year across 10 African countries. 

In Nigeria, Dangote Cement operates plants at Obajana, Ibese, Gboko and Okpella, with combined installed capacity of 35.25 million tonnes a year. 

Dangote holds an 86.82% stake in Dangote Cement through 14.65 billion shares, according to the company’s disclosures. 

The cement producer is also expanding as its financial performance improves. Profit after tax increased 22.7% to N638.5 billion ($470 million) in the first six months of 2026, from N520.4 billion ($381.7 million) a year earlier. 

Revenue rose 21.4% to N2.51 trillion ($1.84 billion), compared with N2.071 trillion ($1.51 billion) in the same period of 2025. 

Sinoma supports Dangote’s production expansion

Sinoma International, headquartered in Beijing, is a subsidiary of China National Building Material Group and provides engineering, technology and equipment services to cement and other industrial projects.

The Itori expansion will add to that production base, giving Dangote Cement greater capacity to serve Nigeria’s growing construction market and compete for demand across Africa.