Cameroon to Enhance Cement Production Capacity with New Plants

Cameroon plans to increase cement production capacity to 12.7 million tons by 2025 through three new plants in Édéa. The plants, led by Chinese investors, will help meet domestic demand and create export opportunities. With competition rising after the end of Cimencam’s monopoly, high prices due to import costs remain a concern.

Cameroon is poised to significantly enhance its cement output by adding three new plants located in Édéa, a town in the Sanaga-Maritime department. The anticipated increase will elevate the nation’s total production capacity to 12.7 million tons by the end of 2025, catering to local needs and facilitating entry into international markets.

Fuh Calistus Gentry, the Minister of Industry, Mines, and Technological Development, recently inspected the construction of these plants along with two adjacent quarries. All three plant projects are being developed by Chinese investors in Édéa, which is recognized as the department’s capital.

The first plant, Sino Africaine (Sinafcim), is currently under construction and will boast an annual capacity of one million tons, employing 200 workers, with 90% of the workforce being Cameroonian. The initial production of cement is anticipated for April 2025.

Central Africa Cement (CAC), the second facility, has been operational for several months, with a capacity of 1.5 million tons annually and currently employing 100 individuals, with plans to double that figure.

The third facility, Yousheng Cement, which is situated near Douala on the banks of the Dibamba River, is still under construction and will have an annual production capacity of 1.8 million tons.

Once all three plants are fully operational, Cameroon’s cement output will increase by 4.3 million tons. This expansion will provide not only sufficient supply to meet the national demand of 8 million tons but will also enable export capabilities to international markets.

The expansion of the cement industry in Cameroon marks a significant advancement, increasing the total number of production units to nine. This development comes in the wake of the end of the longtime cement monopoly held by Cimencam, a subsidiary of Lafarge Holcim Maroc Afrique, which had a production capacity of 2.3 million tons for 48 years. The market has become increasingly competitive since 2015 due to the entrance of new players, such as Dangote Cement and Cimaf.

Despite the enhanced production capacities, cement prices remain elevated. In major urban centers like Douala and Yaoundé, a 50 kg bag of cement sells for between 5,100 and 5,300 FCFA. Both producers and governmental officials attribute these prices to the costs incurred in importing clinker, a vital component in cement manufacturing.

In conclusion, Cameroon is set to significantly bolster its cement production capabilities through the establishment of three new cement plants in Édéa. This expansion will increase the total production capacity to 12.7 million tons by 2025, helping to satisfy local demand and increase export potential. Despite the promising developments in the cement sector, challenges such as high cement prices due to clinker importation costs remain pertinent.

Original Source: www.businessincameroon.com