Kinshasa, DRC — Moroccan billionaire Anas Sefrioui has divested his sole cement plant in France, signaling a strategic realignment of his business interests towards the African continent.
The sale of the integrated cement facility in southern France comes as Sefrioui seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for infrastructure and construction materials in Africa, where his CIMAF network has gained prominence.
The decision to sell the French plant reflects the challenges confronting the European cement industry, including escalating energy costs, stringent emissions regulations, and a waning construction sector. These factors have diminished the profitability of cement production in Europe, prompting Sefrioui to focus on the continent’s more promising markets.
In parallel with the sale, Sefrioui has allocated $300 million to develop luxury mixed-use towers in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This move is part of a broader strategy to expand his presence in high-end real estate and commercial properties across West Africa, a region witnessing a surge in demand from affluent residents and international investors. Established in 2011, CIMAF has expanded across West and Central Africa, operating in countries such as Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Guinea, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Congo.
The network leverages the continent’s burgeoning infrastructure needs, positioning itself as a pivotal player in Africa’s development narrative.
The sale of the French cement plant and the investment in Abidjan underscore Sefrioui’s confidence in Africa’s long-term growth prospects. Despite the strategic shift, details regarding the final sale price of the French plant and the specific growth projections for CIMAF in the African markets remain unclear.
The Moroccan billionaire’s commitment to Africa is part of a wider trend among international investors seeking opportunities on the continent. Africa’s expanding middle class and its rapidly urbanizing population present a compelling case for investment in sectors such as real estate and infrastructure.
As Sefrioui consolidates his position in Africa, his strategic investments could catalyze further development and investment in the region, potentially reshaping the economic landscape of African economies. With the sale of the French plant and the Abidjan investment, Sefrioui is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of Africa’s real estate and cement sectors.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Adekunle Agbetiloye
