…says Africa Must Balance Cement Growth with Climate Goals
THE GROUP Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, has declared that Africa is well-positioned to lead the next phase of sustainable industrial growth by accelerating decarbonization while expanding cement production to meet the continent’s rising infrastructure needs.
Pathak spoke after joining global industry leaders at the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) CEO Strategic Dialogue in Madrid, Spain, where Chief Executives charted strategies for achieving net-zero emissions and driving sustainable growth across the cement and concrete value chain.
According to him, a central theme of the high-level discussions was the industry’s shared responsibility to fast-track decarbonization without compromising growth in rapidly developing economies.
“With Africa’s infrastructure demand continuing to rise, the sector must pursue growth while embracing innovative pathways to reduce carbon emissions,” Pathak said.
The two-day forum brought together leading cement and concrete industry executives to discuss critical issues including low-carbon construction, climate policy, financing for decarbonization and the technologies required to accelerate the transition to a net-zero future.
The meeting also highlighted the industry’s growing role in global climate action, particularly through the GCCA’s engagement at international climate platforms and its efforts to advance collaborative solutions for sustainable infrastructure development.
Dangote Cement’s participation underscores its commitment to global best practices in sustainable manufacturing and its ambition to remain at the forefront of Africa’s transition to low-carbon cement production.
As a founding member of the GCCA, Dangote Cement continues to play an active role in shaping the future of the industry. Pathak also serves on the GCCA Board, representing the company in advancing global sustainability and decarbonization initiatives.
The company has pledged to reduce its carbon emissions intensity by 20 per cent by 2030 from a 2021 baseline, as part of a broader strategy that includes increased use of alternative fuels, renewable energy investments, improved operational efficiency and clinker optimization.
“A key takeaway, especially for the African cement sector in the context of the evolving global economic and regulatory landscape, is the need to accelerate our decarbonization pathway through increased utilization of alternative fuels, reduction of clinker content in cement and investment in innovative cement technologies suited to local realities,” Pathak said.
He added that participants also highlighted the importance of reinforcing operational resilience and efficiency, optimizing supply chains and strengthening collaboration across the value chain, including governments, technology providers, financiers and customers.
“These are required for achieving decarbonization ambitions as the demand for infrastructure continues to rise across the continent,” he noted.
Pathak said the forum reinforced the opportunity for Africa’s cement industry to deliver sustainable growth while reducing carbon emissions, stressing that Dangote Cement remains committed to reducing its carbon emissions intensity by 20 per cent by 2030, using 2021 as the baseline year.
The GCCA CEO Strategic Dialogue brought together leading cement and concrete industry executives from around the world to discuss sustainability, innovation and the pathway to net-zero emissions.
The forum provided a platform for industry leaders to address critical priorities, including low-carbon construction, industry outlook, policy advocacy and financing mechanisms needed to accelerate the transition to net-zero.
Participants also reviewed GCCA’s global climate leadership efforts, particularly its engagement at COP30, where the industry is positioning itself as a key partner in climate solutions through initiatives such as the Cement Breakthrough and other multi-stakeholder collaborations.
Discussions underscored the growing importance of innovation, technology and strategic partnerships in supporting the cement and concrete sector’s net-zero ambitions while helping to meet global infrastructure needs.
Dangote Cement said its participation in the forum reflects its commitment to aligning with global best practices, strengthening its leadership in sustainable cement production across Africa and advancing its decarbonization agenda.
As a founding and active member of the GCCA, Dangote Cement plays a key role in shaping industry sustainability initiatives. Pathak also serves as an elected member of the GCCA Board, representing the company within the global association.
In 2024, Dangote Cement announced its commitment to reduce carbon emissions intensity by 20 per cent by 2030 from a 2021 baseline. The company’s decarbonization strategy includes the substitution of fossil fuels with cleaner and alternative fuels, improvements in thermal and electrical efficiency, investments in renewable energy, as well as clinker substitution and optimization.
