Atlantic Group is reinforcing its presence in Cameroon’s cement sector with a revised and expanded investment plan for its plant in Kribi, signaling confidence in the country’s construction driven growth trajectory.
Cameroon’s Cement Corporation, a subsidiary of Atlantic Group controlled by Ivorian businessman Kone Dossongui, signed an amendment on February 19 in Yaoundé to its investment agreement with the Investment Promotion Agency. The addendum modifies the original convention signed on August 4, 2021 and relates specifically to the cement plant project under development in the Kribi industrial port zone in the South region.
According to Georges Wilson, vice president of Atlantic Group, the amendment reflects technological upgrades incorporated into the plant’s design. These improvements, aimed at enhancing production efficiency and long term operational performance, have resulted in an upward revision of the project’s initial cost, previously estimated at more than CFA39 billion.
While the updated total has not been publicly disclosed, company officials confirmed that the overall investment will exceed the figure announced at the project’s launch in 2021. The revision underscores Atlantic Group’s intention to deploy more advanced production systems, potentially positioning the facility among the more modern cement plants operating in Central Africa.
Under the revised agreement, the project will benefit from tax and customs exemptions ranging from five to ten years during both construction and operational phases. These incentives are granted under Cameroon’s private investment incentives law of April 2013, which was amended in 2017 and again in 2025 to strengthen the country’s attractiveness to domestic and foreign investors.
The Kribi plant is being developed on a 10 hectare site allocated by the Kribi Autonomous Port. Site preparation works began on August 3, 2021, marking the first visible phase of the industrial project. The location within the industrial port zone offers strategic advantages, including proximity to maritime transport routes, access to imported clinker if required, and streamlined logistics for domestic and regional distribution.
Cameroon’s cement market has experienced sustained expansion over the past decade, driven by public infrastructure projects, urban housing demand, and private real estate development. Major road construction, port upgrades, energy projects, and social housing programs have increased consumption levels, creating space for new entrants and expanded capacity among existing players.
The entry and expansion of groups such as Atlantic reflect heightened competition in a market historically dominated by a limited number of producers. Increased capacity is expected to support price stabilization and potentially reduce reliance on imports in periods of supply pressure.
Beyond industrial output, the project carries notable employment implications. Around 1,600 jobs are expected to be generated, including positions during the construction phase and permanent roles once the plant becomes operational. This employment impact aligns with government priorities to stimulate industrialization and job creation under national development strategies.
For Atlantic Group, the investment strengthens its regional industrial footprint. The conglomerate has diversified interests across sectors including cement, agro industry, and energy in West and Central Africa. Expanding into Cameroon consolidates its strategy of building vertically integrated operations in high growth construction markets.
The revised agreement also reflects a broader policy trend within Cameroon to leverage fiscal incentives as a tool for attracting industrial capital. By offering structured tax holidays and customs relief, authorities aim to accelerate large scale manufacturing projects capable of supporting domestic value chains.
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Industry analysts note that technological upgrades in cement production can significantly affect long term competitiveness. Modern plants typically incorporate energy efficient kilns, optimized clinker production processes, and digital monitoring systems that lower operating costs and reduce environmental impact. Although detailed technical specifications of the Kribi facility have not been disclosed, the reference to upgraded production technologies suggests a focus on efficiency and sustainability.
Cameroon’s position within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community also provides potential export opportunities to neighboring markets, subject to logistical capacity and regional demand dynamics. The port proximity could facilitate outbound shipments, reinforcing the strategic logic behind the Kribi location.
As construction progresses, the project will be closely watched by both investors and policymakers as a barometer of Cameroon’s broader industrial ambitions. If completed on schedule and operated at scale, the plant could reshape competitive dynamics in the domestic cement market while reinforcing Atlantic Group’s standing as a key regional industrial player.
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