Dangote-backed Sephaku Cement said on Friday that its revenue for the year ended March rose by 36 per cent as EBITDA increased by 39 per cent to ZAR139m (US$10.2m). Operating profit soared 44 per cent to ZAR109m, with profit after tax up 57 per cent.

The group recorded a profit before tax of ZAR72m and net profit of ZAR47m.

Sales revenues came mainly from the Delmas milling plant which reached a steady state of production in November 2014. Clinker and cement production at Aganang commenced in August and October, respectively.

Sephaku Cement is the first new entrant to the South African cement industry since 1934. It is a 64 per cent-owned subsidiary of Dangote Cement.