Dangote Cement Cameroon experienced a challenging start to 2026, with sales volumes declining by 15.8% in the first quarter compared to the previous year, representing approximately 300,000 tons. This performance contrasts with the positive momentum observed in several other African markets where the group operates.
According to Dangote Cement's quarterly report, this decline is mainly attributed to a slowdown in the Cameroonian market at the beginning of the year, linked to the post-election context and a decrease in construction sector activity. Delays in public spending and the slow implementation of infrastructure projects have also weighed on cement demand.
In Cameroon, the building and public works (BTP) sector is highly dependent on public procurement, particularly for road infrastructure, administrative buildings, and housing programs. Therefore, any slowdown in the execution of public projects has a direct impact on cement consumption. The decrease in Dangote Cement Cameroon's sales reflects this market sensitivity to budgetary decisions and the pace of public investments.
Despite a relatively stable macroeconomic environment, with inflation contained around 2.5% in 2025 and early 2026, demand in the construction sector has not been sufficiently supported. At the same time, Dangote Cement highlighted the intensification of clinker flows within the group, with a 58.8% increase in shipments from Nigeria to Cameroon and Ghana, reaching 378,200 tons in the first quarter of 2026. These clinker transfers are part of the group's industrial integration strategy, aimed at securing the supply of its subsidiaries.
The underperformance in Cameroon contrasts with the progress recorded by Dangote Cement in other African markets, notably in Ethiopia (+31.5%), Tanzania (+24.7%), Senegal (+15.8%), and Zambia (+16.2%). At the consolidated level, the group posted a strong increase in its turnover (+20.4%) and net profit (+53.5%).
These results highlight the dependence of the Cameroonian cement market on public spending and the pace of infrastructure project execution. The Cameroonian government plans to complete 476 km of new roads in 2026, but the sector suffers from cash flow tensions affecting the payment of works. Construction in Cameroon faces challenges such as shortages of skilled labor, complex regulations, and land disputes.
Dangote Cement remains optimistic about medium-term demand, driven by infrastructure projects such as the Douala-Yaoundé highway.
