Moroccan billionaire Anas Sefrioui has disposed of his sole cement facility in France, signalling a strategic withdrawal from Europe and a stronger commitment to African markets, where his CIMAF network has grown into one of the continent’s most extensive industrial players.
According to a report by Africa Business Plus, the transaction represents a calculated move by Sefrioui to prioritise faster-growing opportunities in Africa instead of holding onto a single asset in Europe’s increasingly expensive cement industry. The plant sold was an integrated cement production facility located in southern France, owned through his cement holdings.
The decision also underscores wider structural challenges facing Europe’s cement sector. High energy prices, tighter European Union environmental regulations, and subdued construction activity have all put pressure on profitability. As one of the most carbon-heavy industrial sectors, cement production now requires substantial spending to meet climate compliance standards, further squeezing margins.
In this environment, maintaining the French operation became less economically attractive compared to CIMAF’s African businesses, where demand continues to expand steadily.
CIMAF’s growing African presence
Founded in 2011 by Sefrioui, CIMAF has progressively expanded across West and Central Africa. Its operations now cover countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Guinea, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Chad and the Republic of the Congo, according to Billionaires Africa.
The group’s approach targets markets with strong infrastructure needs but limited domestic production capacity. By establishing local plants, CIMAF secures cost advantages while positioning itself early in rapidly expanding construction economies.
Long-term cement demand across Africa is projected to remain robust, supported by urban expansion, population growth and large-scale infrastructure development. The African Continental Free Trade Area is also expected to stimulate regional trade and construction activity.
Sefrioui originally built his wealth through Groupe Addoha, a major affordable housing developer in Morocco. His entry into cement complemented this business, supplying materials for housing and infrastructure projects across the continent. Forbes estimates his net worth at about $1.3 billion in 2026, reflecting changes in Morocco’s real estate sector amid rising interest rates and weakening property demand.