Aliko Dangote promises operation before close of 2014

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, on November 1, 2014, paid a short site inspection visit to his cement factory currently being built on the banks of the Wouri River in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital.

According to reliable sources, at the event, the Nigerian manufacturer promised that the first bags of cement will hit the Cameroonian market before year’s end.

The Nigerian mogul allegedly stated that the delays encountered at the factory, leading to the postponement of its launch from January 2014, to August, then to October 2014, are due to technical issues. For example, the congestion at Doula Port has slowed down the import and export of equipment needed for the factory’s completion.

However, the construction team has reported that the Dangote cement factory is “90% complete”. In response to this announcement made during his November 1 site visit, the Nigerian billionaire praised the team as well as the government for “working hand in hand to complete the project.”

Contrary to initial forecasts, Cameroon’s third cement factory (after Cimencam and Lafarge and Cimaf of the Moroccan groupm Addoha) will no longer produce one million tonnes per annum, but 1.5 million tonnes of 42.5 cement when launched.

At the start of its operations, the 50 billion FCFA Dangote factory will provide full-time, indefinite employment for 77 Cameroonians, 11 expatriates and temporary employment for approximately 250 workers each month.