Clinker: Cameroon joins producers rankand targets regional exports

Cameroon marks a decisive step in its industrial policy with the inauguration of its first clinker production plant in Figuil, in the north of the country. This infrastructure, with a capacity of 1,000 tonnes of clinker and 1,900 tonnes of cement per day, will finally enable the country to produce locally a strategic input that until now has been imported in its entirety.

In 2023, 87.7 billion FCFA were spent on 2.4 million tonnes of imported clinker, mainly from Algeria and Turkey, according to the French National Institute of Statistics. The commissioning of this plant – which required an investment of 60 billion FCFA – will considerably reduce external dependency and strengthen the autonomy of the Cameroon cement industry.

The 22-hectare plant is part of the extension of the historic Figuil site, and increases Cimencam’s annual capacity to 2.3 million tonnes. Thanks to the Bidzar marble deposit, which can be exploited over 25 years, the supply of raw materials is secured, with an annual potential of 668,000 tonnes of marble.

In addition to satisfying domestic needs, particularly in the northern regions, Cameroon aims to export to Chad and CAR, where demand for building materials is growing.

In addition to satisfying domestic needs, particularly in the northern regions, Cameroon aims to export to Chad and CAR, where demand for building materials is growing. This development positions the country as a new cement hub in Central Africa, illustrating an industrial dynamic geared towards regional integration and reducing the trade deficit.

source: EcoMatin