Sales at Dangote Cement’s Cameroon subsidiary declined sharply in 2025 as political tensions surrounding the country’s presidential election disrupted economic activity and slowed construction demand, highlighting how political instability can ripple through key industrial sectors across Africa.
According to the company’s audited financial statements, Dangote Cement Cameroon sold about 1.2 million tons of cement in 2025, down from roughly 1.4 million tons in 2024. The drop represents a 14.1 percent decline in volumes at the company’s grinding plant in Douala, which has an annual production capacity of 1.5 million tons. The reduction in sales amounted to about 200,000 tons compared with the previous year, reflecting the impact of political uncertainty and disruptions in major cities following the election.
The slowdown was largely attributed to unrest that erupted after the announcement of the official results of Cameroon’s October 2025 presidential election. Demonstrations and security concerns in several urban centers temporarily disrupted transportation, construction activity, and broader commercial operations. Douala, the country’s economic capital and home to Dangote Cement’s plant, was among the areas affected, which further weakened demand for building materials.
The situation illustrates the close link between political stability and infrastructure driven industries such as cement production. When election tensions or protests occur, construction projects often stall as developers delay investments and governments temporarily suspend public infrastructure spending. For cement manufacturers, which rely heavily on large scale building activity, even short term disruptions can translate into substantial declines in sales.
Dangote Cement’s experience in Cameroon mirrors broader trends seen across several African markets in 2025. The company reported that uncertainties tied to elections and policy transitions in multiple countries weighed on construction demand and delayed infrastructure projects. In Cameroon specifically, the temporary slowdown in government funded projects and reduced private sector activity contributed significantly to weaker cement consumption during the year.
Despite the downturn, the company remains optimistic about a rebound in the medium term as political conditions stabilize and infrastructure investment resumes. Cameroon’s economic outlook is expected to improve gradually, supported by renewed public spending on roads, bridges, and housing developments. Large infrastructure initiatives such as the Douala to Yaoundé highway and nationwide road rehabilitation projects are expected to drive renewed demand for cement products in the coming years.
Dangote Cement has continued to invest in its operations in the country despite the temporary sales decline. The company has maintained production at its Douala facility by importing clinker, a key raw material used in cement manufacturing, from Nigeria. These shipments help stabilize output and protect operations from supply disruptions and price volatility in international markets.
The company is also advancing long term expansion plans in Cameroon as part of its broader strategy to strengthen its footprint in Central Africa. Construction has begun on a second cement plant in the country, a project that signals the company’s confidence in Cameroon’s long term construction and infrastructure potential. Once completed, the new facility is expected to boost local production capacity and support regional exports.
Across Africa, Dangote Cement operates in several markets including Nigeria, Senegal, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Ghana, and the Republic of Congo. While some markets recorded declines due to economic pressures or political uncertainty, the company continues to view the continent as a key growth driver for its pan African expansion strategy.
Industry analysts note that cement demand in many African countries remains closely tied to infrastructure investment and urbanization trends. With populations growing rapidly and governments pushing forward with road networks, housing programs, and industrial projects, the long term outlook for cement consumption across the continent remains strong.
For Cameroon, the expectation is that the political tensions that weighed on the construction sector in 2025 will gradually fade, allowing stalled projects to resume. As public investment cycles normalize and private developers regain confidence, cement producers such as Dangote are likely to see demand recover.
While the 2025 election period created a temporary setback for Dangote Cement’s operations in the country, the company’s continued investment and the anticipated return of infrastructure spending suggest that the downturn may prove short lived. If economic activity accelerates as projected in 2026, the company could see sales volumes rebound and potentially return to pre election levels.
