PM Dion Ngute and other stakeholders cutting the ribbons
Presidential envoy, Prime Minister, and Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, has inaugurated the CIMPOR cement factory in Kribi, Ocean Division of Cameroon’s South Region.
The inauguration ceremony took place last Friday, July 19, 2024.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the cement plant on behalf of the Head of State, President Paul Biya.
Addressing guests at the august ceremony, PM Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute said the milestone achievement is a demonstration of the apt economic policy defined by the President of the Republic.
Dion Ngute noted that, “In order to overcome the induced difficulties and to execute the very high directives of the Head of State, the government has engaged in a process of acceleration of the deployment of the policy of import substitution, which is, after all, a major axis of our national development strategy towards 2030.”
The PM added that this has led to the export of deposits of limestone, marble and clay, as well as aligning conditions aimed at contributing to the increase in the capacity of the production of cement.
PM Dion Ngute saluted the CIMPOR-Cameroon company for appropriating the country’s development objectives and valorising the import substitution policy instructed by the President of the Republic.
He underscored that, by maximising use of local materials in the production of its cement, CIMPOR is curbing the importation of klinker by 40-50 percent, a step which the PM confirmed, is in line with the Head of State’s import substitution policy.
The PM urged the population of the South to not relent in preserving the rich natural heritage of the Region and the determination of the Head of State to transform the region into an admirable industrial site.
Big Step For CIMPOR Cameroon – CEO CIMPOR Group holdings
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of CIMPOR Group Holdings, Suat Çalbiyik, declared that, the realisation of this project “is a big step for both CIMPOR and Cameroon”, adding that, “Our new plant is the first of its kind all over the world.”
The CEO said it will produce 400,000 tons of calcined clay annually. “By using calcined clay, we will reduce CO2 emissions by 40 percent. This shows our commitment to the environment,” he said.
The goal, the CEO added, is to meet the demand for cement in Cameroon. The option to use local materials explains the company’s vision to serve the public with up-to-date cement quality as stated by the CEO. “We use 40 percent local raw materials clay in Kribi. This will be our first for Cameroon. We have invested approximately 100 million euros in this plant. This investment means building a future for Cameroon.”
He announced that, “Through the construction sector, we will provide jobs for more than 10,000 Cameroonians.”
The construction of the new factory, he said, “will increase Cameroon’s export capacity and support economic growth. These investments show our confidence in Cameroon’s potentials.”
The CIMPOR top official stated that the goal is to combine innovation, sustainability, and economic development: “We are directly connected to the communities we serve. We are committed to the community we serve. We will provide high-quality products and great opportunities.”
The investment, he furthered, will provide a source of livelihood for thousands of families.
Inside the newly inaugurated CIMPOR Cement Plant in Kribi, Cameroon
Biya Our Candidate In 2025 –Kribi City Mayor
In his speech, the City Mayor of Kribi, Guy Emmanuel Sabikanda, announced that, as loyalty to the President of the Republic Paul Biya for this gift and several others, the people of Kribi have chosen him as their candidate for the 2025 presidential election in Cameroon. “CIMPOR S.A. Cameroon today, by your action, translates sufficiently the great interest that the President of the Republic, Head of State, His Excellency Paul Biya, attaches to the development of Cameroon and the emergence of the city of Kribi as a major economic development centre of our country.”
Through the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, the City Mayor conveyed the message of gratitude to the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, expressing their sincere and deep gratitude for all the measures and effective development reforms that have been taken and that have been implemented in the region.”
Countless Opportunities
The CIMPOR cement factory boosts of a global investment estimated at 50 billion FCFA with 300 direct jobs and 1.2 million cement production capacity per year.
On the many opportunities created by the construction of the CIMPOR cement plant, the City Mayor of Kribi, on behalf of the population, used the opportunity to express gratitude to the CEO of CIMPOR Group Holdings.
The City Mayor cited, among others, the numerous employment opportunities, the creation of new sources of income linked to the production and the sale of cement, the growth of inter-urban economic flows, and poverty reduction as immediate benefits of the cement factory in the city.
