Africa’s richest man and Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote, has declared that despite the challenging macroeconomic environment in 2022, the company still made great strides, performed admirably, and remains Africa’s largest and leading cement producer.

Analysing the 2022 year-end result, Dangote explained that the company achieved its highest revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) in history at N1,618.3 billion and N708.2 billion, respectively.

The cement company also achieved a profit after tax of N382.3 billion, up 4.9 per cent compared to 2021.

Expectedly, Dangote has guaranteed shareholders and other stakeholders of the company’s management’s resolve to keep the company profitable by leveraging on strategic innovations for the continuous growth of their investments.

Speaking at the 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos on Thursday, April 13, 2023, Dangote said the prospects for the cement company remain bright as the management will continue to innovate on quality products delivery to millions of its customers across Africa while touching the lives of its host communities.

Dangote said: “We will continue to make sure that we keep our shareholders happy, not only the shareholders but all our other stakeholders… Our strategy remains steadfast, focused on organic growth in Nigeria and Pan-Africa while ensuring that Africa’s regional integration becomes a reality.

“We will continue to contribute to improving regional trade within Africa by building plants across West and Central Africa, guided by our vision of making the region cement and clinker self-sufficient. In addition, we aim to deliver higher returns and value to our shareholders.”

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Dangote explained that in the face of the unexpected challenges in 2022, the company implemented robust cost reduction strategies to manage the inflationary environment, and thus enhanced its competitiveness while maintaining high levels of product quality and customer service delivery.

According to him, “In addition, we achieved giant strides in transitioning to cleaner energy, with our cost containment initiative propelling the use of Alternative Fuel (AF) to replace more expensive fossil fuels, such as coal and gas. We also increased the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for our trucks due to the rising diesel cost environment.

“These efforts have helped us reduce our cost base and enhanced our flexibility, enabling the company to respond more effectively to changes in the market. As a result, we recorded revenue and EBITDA growth of 17.0 per cent and 3.5 per cent from the prior year respectively, albeit under unprecedented inflationary pressure. We also achieved a profit after tax of N382.3 billion, up 4.9 per cent compared to 2021.”

The exceptional EBITDA, according to him, was supported by its numerous cost containment measures, substituting higher-cost fuel for cheaper alternative fuel products.

Dangote said: “Over the last 12 years, volumes have grown by a double-digit compound annual growth rate of 11.2 per cent. Similarly, EBITDA has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 16.3 per cent, over the same period, implying a five-fold increase and revealing a true growth story.

“Accordingly, we closed the year with a profit after tax of N382.3 billion and an Earning per Share (EPS) of N22.27. Despite these accomplishments, we are not resting on our laurels. We recognise that the business environment remains volatile, so we will continue to evolve with the changing times while embracing technological advancement,” he added.

The Star