By Chioma Obinagwam
Dangote Cement Plc has received a fresh vote of confidence from DataPro, the Technology-Driven Credit Rating Agency, following an upgrade of its long-term credit rating to AA+ from AA, Confiance News has learnt.
The upgrade, sighted by Confiance News in a press release dated Monday, 6th July, 2026, comes as the cement giant continues to post exceptional financial results despite macroeconomic headwinds pressuring Nigerian corporates.
According to the report obtained by Confiance News, DataPro also affirmed Dangote Cement’s short-term rating at A1, with both ratings carrying a Stable Outlook valid until June 16, 2027.
What informed the upgrade
DataPro said the ratings upgrade reflects Dangote Cement’s sustained financial strength, resilient operating performance and leading market position within Nigeria and across Africa, Confiance News gathered.
The agency disclosed that its assessment was based on a comprehensive review of the company’s capitalization, earnings profile, liquidity, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and the sustainability of its financial performance over the medium to long term.
DataPro further noted that the rating is underpinned by Dangote Cement’s strong brand presence, dominant market share, healthy earnings profile, robust asset base and experienced management team, factors it says continue to support the company’s capacity to meet its financial obligations in a timely manner.
Revenue jumps 20%, PBT surges 109%
Confiance News confirmed from the review that Dangote Cement delivered an exceptional financial performance in 2025, recording revenue of ₦4.31 trillion, representing a 20 percent year-on-year increase.
Profit Before Tax, according to the DataPro report, rose by 109 percent to ₦1.53 trillion within the same period.
DataPro attributed the company’s strengthened profitability to strong revenue growth, improved operating efficiency, lower finance costs and a stronger capital structure, Confiance News learned.
What the AA+ rating means
The AA+ long-term rating denotes Lower Risk, signifying excellent financial strength, operating performance and business profile relative to DataPro’s rating benchmarks, the agency explained.
Meanwhile, the A1 short-term rating indicates Good Credit Quality and a satisfactory capacity for the timely payment of financial commitments, Confiance News confirmed.
DataPro, in the notice, stressed that the rating carries a maximum shelf life of 12 calendar months, in line with international best practice. The agency clarified that the rating does not constitute an offer to trade in securities, nor is it a substitute for the user’s own judgement, noting that it is meant strictly for reference purposes.
The press release was signed by Kehinde Rasheed, Business Development and Client Services Manager at DataPro, an agency registered and recognised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a rating agency in Nigeria, Confiance News gathered.
A boost for investor confidence
The upgrade positions Dangote Cement more favourably ahead of its next major disclosures, and could bolster investor confidence in the company’s debt instruments and overall financial standing, industry watchers say.
With Nigeria’s cement sector grappling with rising energy costs and forex volatility, Dangote Cement’s ability to post double-digit revenue growth alongside a more than doubling of pre-tax profit signals resilience that analysts say may set the tone for how other manufacturing giants are assessed in subsequent rating cycles.
Confiance News will continue to monitor developments around Dangote Cement’s financial disclosures and DataPro’s subsequent reviews.
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