Moroccan billionaire Anas Sefrioui shifts millions into Africa with major Gabon cement expansion
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Moroccan billionaire Anas Sefrioui is expanding his industrial footprint in Gabon with a $45 million investment through CIMAF, reinforcing a growing shift toward African-led manufacturing and infrastructure development.
The move comes as global capital increasingly pivots away from slower European markets toward faster-growing African economies driven by urbanisation and long-term demand.
A strategic expansion in Gabon
CIMAF’s investment includes a third production line at its Owendo facility near Libreville, alongside expanded clinker production capacity. The project was presented to President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, highlighting its national importance. Gabon plans to ban clinker imports from January 2027, a policy aimed at boosting domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.
Reducing dependence and building scale
Producing clinker locally allows CIMAF to control costs and limit exposure to global supply disruptions. Production capacity could reach 1.85 million tonnes annually, far exceeding the domestic demand of around 900,000 tonnes. This positions Gabon as a potential export hub for Central Africa’s growing construction market.
A pivot away from Europe
CIMAF recently exited its only cement plant in France, retreating from a market facing high energy costs, tighter regulations, and slower growth. In contrast, African markets continue to attract investment due to infrastructure demand and population growth. The company already operates in more than ten African countries, strengthening its continental strategy.
Cement at the center of development
Cement remains essential to Africa’s development ambitions, supporting housing, transport networks, and industrial projects. Local production reduces vulnerability to currency pressures and global shocks while aligning with government goals of industrialisation and economic self-sufficiency. For Gabon, the investment signals a broader effort to diversify its economy beyond natural resources.
Where industry meets ambition
What is happening in Gabon reflects a wider shift across the continent. Africa is gradually building the capacity to produce what it consumes and to compete regionally. The pace is uneven, and challenges remain, but the direction is clear. Industrial investments like this are laying the groundwork for stronger, more self-sustaining economies shaped by African priorities and long-term vision.
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