By Abiodun Folarin
DataPro, a technology driven Credit Rating Agency (CRA), has upgraded the long-term credit rating of Dangote Cement Plc from AA to AA+, citing the company’s sustained financial strength, resilient operating performance and dominant market position in Nigeria and across Africa.
The agency also affirmed the company’s short-term rating at A1 and assigned a Stable Outlook, with the ratings valid until June 16, 2027.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by its Business Development and Client Services Manager, Kehinde Rasheed, DataPro said the upgrade followed a comprehensive review of Dangote Cement’s capitalization, earnings profile, liquidity, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and the sustainability of its financial performance over the medium to long term.
According to the agency, the company’s strong brand equity, market leadership, healthy earnings profile, robust asset base and experienced management team continue to underpin its ability to meet financial obligations promptly despite prevailing macroeconomic and industry challenges.
DataPro noted that Dangote Cement delivered a strong financial performance in 2025, recording revenue of ₦4.31 trillion, representing a 20 per cent year-on-year growth, while profit before tax surged by 109 per cent to ₦1.53 trillion.
It attributed the improved performance to sustained revenue growth, enhanced operational efficiency, reduced finance costs and a stronger capital structure.
The agency explained that the AA+ long-term rating denotes lower credit risk, reflecting excellent financial strength, operating performance and business profile relative to its rating benchmarks, while the A1 short-term rating signifies good credit quality and a satisfactory capacity to meet short-term financial commitments.
DataPro added that the rating carries a maximum shelf life of 12 calendar months, in line with international best practice, stressing that it should be used only as a reference and does not constitute an offer to trade in securities or replace investors’ independent judgment.
