Cimencam has been operating in the construction materials sector since 1963 and is now proud to be one of the largest cement and concrete companies in Cameroon. CEO, Xavier Legrand, gives us all the details of this impressive success story.
CEMENTING A PLACE IN HISTORY
The African manufacturing and construction industries are currently more strategic and exciting than ever.”
The opening words of Xavier Legrand, CEO of Cimencam, reflect the surging nature of these vast, ever-expanding sectors.
He believes these closely linked industries sit at the intersection of enormous economic, technological, and environmental change for the entire continent.
“At Cimencam, we are actively engaged in this evolution first-hand – the digitisation of our processes, integration of circular economy principles, and increasing sustainability demands are profoundly reshaping our operations,” he introduces.
“These immense challenges make our work even more stimulating as they push us to innovate, adapt, and anticipate the expectations of our clients and stakeholders.”
Across Africa, innovative and resilient companies such as Cimencam continue to thrive within this burgeoning industry transformation and rise valiantly to overcome the many obstacles that follow.
THE PRIDE OF THE NATION
At present, the increased demand for housing, infrastructure projects, and commercial developments continues to fuel the expansion of the African cement market.
Cimencam is a pioneer of Cameroon’s cement industry, operating proudly across the nation since 1963.
As a subsidiary of the Holcim Group, the company is a part of what has become a global leader in construction solutions.
“Our mission is to provide innovative, high-quality building solutions across Cameroon and the wider region,” Legrand sets out.
Today, Cimencam’s production sites include the Bonaberi plant in Douala, its oldest site to date, the Nomayos plant near Yaoundé, and most recently, a new, state-of-the-art subsidiary in Figuil, located in the North Region of Cameroon.
“We produce and market a wide range of solutions, tailored for various uses, including individual houses, public works, buildings, and major infrastructures,” he lists.
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY AND DEMAND
Undoubtedly, the company’s greatest strength lies in its ability to combine operational excellence, product innovation, and social responsibility.
“At Cimencam, we don’t just produce cement – we support our clients with tailored solutions and a strong sense of local proximity,” Legrand affirms.
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Alongside this, the company’s connection to the Holcim Group allows it to benefit from global best practices whilst remaining deeply rooted in local realities.
Equally vital to Cimencam’s success is the smooth operation of its meticulously crafted supply chain, which stands as a key pillar of its exceptional performance.
“We place strong emphasis on building long-term, ethical relationships with our partners, utilising regular meetings as opportunities to review progress and identify areas for improvement,” he says.
Furthermore, an impressive territorial footprint, committed human capital, and contribution to sustainable development truly set the business apart.
“At Cimencam, we don’t just produce cement – we support our clients with tailored solutions and a strong sense of local proximity”
Xavier Legrand, CEO, Cimencam
CIMENCAM FIGUIL PLANT
One of Cimencam’s most significant projects is its new Figuil plant, which was inaugurated on 12th June.
“The opening of this facility represents a major milestone that strengthens our presence in Cameroon’s North Region. The plant is fully aligned with our strategy of industrial proximity and reduced logistical costs,” Legrand prides.
Cimencam Figuil is the company’s newly created subsidiary, and its integrated plant has been established to meet the growing demand in Northern Cameroon and neighbouring Chad, with a production capacity of approximately 500,000 tonnes of cement per year.
Impressively, the project has seen more than three million hours worked without a single major accident.
Legrand believes its impact on the region will be significant, creating an estimated 900 new sustainable jobs both directly and indirectly.
“The plant will also facilitate new business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, improve socioeconomic and cultural conditions in the region, and grow support for the completion of infrastructure projects,” he excites.
MAINTAINING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The overarching corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy at Cimencam aims to balance economic performance with positive social impact by creating value for its stakeholders. To date, the company has consistently ranked amongst the top five socially responsible companies in Cameroon.
“Regarding our social aspect, we act across three key areas – education, health, and employability. One standout initiative is our road safety programme for motorcycle taxi drivers, designed to improve road behaviour and reduce the number of accidents,” Legrand voices.
“Environmentally, we are actively working on reducing our carbon footprint, managing dust emissions, and ensuring a positive impact on nature through multiple initiatives such as replacing fossil fuels with biomass and recycled oils, reusing wastewater, and planting trees in communities near our sites,” he follows up.
Parallel to these initiatives, Cimencam proudly supports local wealth creation by collaborating with agricultural cooperatives, offering financial assistance for fertiliser purchases, and training in farming techniques.
“We have also launched a textile training programme to promote community empowerment through sewing and tailoring skills,” Legrand confirms.
Meanwhile, over the past three years, Cimencam’s staff have volunteered more than 2,000 hours to help local communities, raising awareness amongst young students and school children about the dangers of and ways to prevent HIV and AIDS, malaria, poor sanitation, cholera, and domestic accidents.
“I’m always keen to highlight a key driver of our success – the remarkable commitment of our employees”
Xavier Legrand, CEO, Cimencam
THE HEART OF THE BUSINESS
At Cimencam, the employees are the driving force behind the company’s excellent performance and formidable track record.
“Through ambitious training programmes, ongoing social dialogue, and a strong recognition policy, we place people at the heart of our strategy,” Legrand tells us.
Furthermore, the company’s development programmes, such as its comprehensive talent review and commitment to diversity and inclusion, reflect a firm desire to create a fulfilling, fair, and empowering workplace for all.
“I’m always keen to highlight a key driver of our success – the remarkable commitment of our employees. Thanks to their dedication, professionalism, and team spirit, we achieved outstanding results in Q1 2025, both industrially and commercially,” he explains.
From meeting production targets and maintaining operational discipline to implementing strategic projects, each team within the company has played a vital role in achieving its shared success.
“This positive momentum stems from a healthy work environment, a culture of continuous improvement, and a shared sense of purpose. It’s a great source of pride and a powerful lever for driving us forward, together,” Legrand concludes proudly.
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