On May 20, 2026, a landmark agreement was signed at the Palais Rénovation in Libreville, marking a pivotal moment for Gabon’s construction industry. Anas Sefrioui, CEO of Ciments de l’Afrique (CIMAF), and Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s transitional president, formalized a €40 million investment aimed at upgrading the Owendo cement plant. The strategic infusion will fund a third production line, addressing the surging local demand for construction materials driven by the country’s ambitious infrastructure projects.
Industrial modernization and shared governance
The deal extends beyond mere financial support, signaling a shift in the plant’s operational governance. The Gabonese government is set to increase its stake in the local subsidiary to 20%, building on its initial 10% acquisition in December 2025. This move grants Libreville greater oversight and aligns with a broader economic strategy adopted in August 2023, which prioritizes transforming large foreign investments into joint ventures with national ownership.
CIMAF’s strategic pivot toward Africa
For CIMAF, this strengthened partnership coincides with a sweeping strategic overhaul. The Moroccan group, led by Anas Sefrioui, is steadily exiting the European market, as evidenced by the recent sale of its last cement plant in France. With European demand stagnating and regulatory pressures mounting, CIMAF is doubling down on Africa, where urbanization and infrastructure needs—from roads and bridges to housing—remain vast and largely untapped.
A new economic foothold for Morocco in Central Africa
This transaction also underscores Morocco’s evolving economic influence in Central Africa. While Moroccan conglomerates have long dominated West African markets, their focus is now expanding into industrial sectors in Central Africa. For Gabon, traditionally reliant on oil revenues, this public-private collaboration serves as a testing ground for industrial diversification. By merging Moroccan private capital, Gabonese public oversight, and regional economic integration, the partnership sets a precedent for sustainable economic growth beyond extractive industries.
