get latest news from West Africa

Dangote Cement Plc has reported a 20.3 per cent revenue growth to N4.31 trillion for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025.
This compares with N3.58 trillion recorded in 2024, according to a corporate disclosure filed on Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Saturday.
The company said its Nigerian operations contributed N2.96 trillion, up from N2.19 trillion in 2024.
Pan-African operations generated N1.46 trillion, slightly lower than the N1.48 trillion posted in the previous year.
The company stated: “Nigeria’s revenue increased by 34.8 per cent year-on-year, rising to N2,956.5 billion in 2025 from N2,192.7 billion in 2024.
“In contrast, pan-African revenues declined by 1.7 per cent to N1,456.0 billion in 2025, down from N1,481.4 billion in 2024, primarily due to lower sales in key markets.
“Cumulatively, Group revenue rose 20.3 per cent to N4,306.7 trillion in 2025 from N3,580.6 trillion in 2024, owing to price increases in selected countries.”
Total cement sales stood at 27.47 million tonnes, compared with 27.71 million tonnes in 2024, reflecting a marginal decline.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation rose to N1.98 trillion from N1.38 trillion, lifting EBITDA margin to 46.0 per cent from 38.6 per cent.
Operating profit increased to N1.77 trillion, up from N1.15 trillion in 2024.
Profit before tax rose to N1.53 trillion, compared with N732.54 billion in the previous year.
After a tax charge of N517.74 billion, net profit stood at N1.01 trillion, more than double the N503.25 billion recorded in 2024.
Earnings per share climbed to N59.86 from N29.74 in the corresponding period of 2024.
Total assets stood at N6.04 trillion at year-end, down from N6.40 trillion in 2024.
Net debt declined sharply to N682.92 billion from N2.06 trillion, reflecting improved leverage and a stronger balance sheet.
Chief Executive Officer, Arvind Pathak, said: “2025 was a landmark year as we delivered exceptional financial performance.
“Group revenue grew 20.3 per cent to N4.30 trillion, driven by proactive management initiatives and resilient demand across our markets.
“EBITDA increased by 43.4 per cent to N1.98 trillion, while profit after tax crossed the N1 trillion milestone for the first time.
“This expansion in profitability, despite a 0.9 per cent decline in volumes to 27.5 million tonnes, reflects our focus on margin discipline and cost efficiency.
“A key highlight was the commissioning of our 3Mta grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire during the third quarter.
“We are pleased with the ramp-up as the plant scales towards full capacity, strengthening our West African footprint.
“Our export strategy delivered strong results, with cement and clinker exports rising 18.6 per cent.
“We executed 34 clinker shipments to Ghana and Cameroon, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a regional export hub.
“Our export terminals at Apapa and Onne remain strategic, and we are on track to achieve 10 million tonnes of combined exports by 2030.” (NAN)