In a landmark agreement sealed on May 20, 2026, at the Palais Rénovation in Libreville, Anas Sefrioui, CEO of Ciments de l’Afrique (CIMAF), and Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s transitional president, formalized a €40 million investment to upgrade the Owendo cement plant. The funds will primarily finance the addition of a third production line, addressing the soaring demand for construction materials driven by the country’s ambitious infrastructure projects.
The deal also represents a significant shift in the company’s governance structure. The Gabonese government has committed to increasing its stake in the local subsidiary to 20%, building on its initial 10% acquisition in December 2025. This move grants Libreville greater oversight, aligning with a national economic strategy adopted in August 2023. The policy aims to convert major foreign investments into shared national ventures, ensuring sustainable local participation in key industries.
For CIMAF, this partnership marks a pivotal step in its strategic realignment. The Moroccan group, led by Anas Sefrioui, is systematically reducing its footprint in Europe, as evidenced by the concurrent divestment of its last cement plant in France. Facing a saturated and highly competitive European market, the company is pivoting toward Africa, where urbanization and infrastructure needs—including roads, bridges, and housing—remain vast and largely unmet.
This collaboration also underscores a broader shift in Morocco’s economic influence across the continent. While Moroccan conglomerates have long dominated West Africa, they are now expanding their presence in Central Africa, particularly in industrial sectors. For Gabon, traditionally reliant on oil revenues, this public-private partnership serves as a testing ground for economic diversification. The model leverages Moroccan private capital, Gabonese public oversight, and regional integration to foster sustainable industrial growth.
