Morocco’s Ciments de l’Afrique (CIMAF) laid down the first stone at its new cement works in Gabon on 13 June.

Located in Owendo, some 15km south of Libreville, the XAF9.67bn (US$19.6m) cement plant will have an initial capacity of 0.5Mta.

Group CEO, Anas Sefrioui, said: "We want, through these investments, contribute to the harmonious development of the Gabonese nation, the welfare and prosperity of its citizens, and support major projects launched by President Ali Bongo Ondimba, whose ambition is to transform Gabon into an emerging country by 2025.”