Société multinationale de bitumes (SMB), a Côte d’Ivoire-based refiner listed on the regional BRVM stock exchange, posted net profit of CFAF8.90 billion for the first nine months of 2026, up 57% from CFAF5.69 billion a year earlier. Stronger production and sales in the third quarter supported the increase, according to its operating report for the period ended September 30.
Revenue grew 15% to CFAF179.20 billion from CFAF155.19 billion a year earlier, while profit from ordinary activities rose 56% to CFAF13.07 billion. Management attributed part of the improvement to a recovery in the international refining margin indicator over the final two months of the third quarter.
Road projects offer export opportunities
SMB aims to sustain its domestic momentum during the final quarter of 2026 while expanding export sales. It identified Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Mali as markets where road-building and rehabilitation projects could support demand for bitumen.
Higher Brent crude prices and shipping costs nevertheless remain important pressures on procurement. In its report dated October 29, the company noted the volatility of both components as it seeks to maintain the commercial recovery that began in the second half of the year.