Africa’s largest cement producer, Dangote Cement Plc, posted a sharp 149% jump in pre-tax profit for the first half of 2025, driven by higher sales volumes, stronger pricing, and a significant drop in finance costs. The company earned 730 billion naira (around $478 million) before tax between January and June—surpassing its full-year 2024 profit just six months into the year.

The performance underscores the company’s pricing power and scale amid volatile regional economies and currency fluctuations. Total revenue rose by 18% to 2.07 trillion naira ($1.36 billion), supported by resilient demand in Nigeria and select pan-African markets.

Operating profit climbed 47% to 811 billion naira ($531 million), while gross margins widened to 59% from 53% a year earlier, reflecting tight cost controls and increased efficiency in production and distribution.

A key boost came from lower finance costs, down by 35%, as the company avoided the foreign exchange losses that hampered last year’s earnings. As a result, net profit surged by 174% year-on-year to 520.5 billion naira ($340 million), outpacing its entire 2024 bottom line.

The results arrive as the company undergoes a leadership shift. Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, stepped down as chairman this month, handing the reins to his son, Sani Dangote, as part of a generational transition.

Dangote Cement operates in over 10 African countries and remains a bellwether for the continent’s construction and infrastructure sectors. The company has also ramped up its clinker exports and aims to reduce reliance on imports across the region.

Its strong earnings come amid broader economic uncertainty in Nigeria, where rising inflation, foreign exchange scarcity, and power shortages continue to squeeze manufacturers. Yet, Dangote Cement’s performance offers a rare bright spot in Nigeria’s industrial landscape and highlights the potential of African multinationals to deliver strong results despite headwinds.