The first is the renowned business mogul and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. Also listed as the second most influent black person in the world, he is more of a star.

The second is highly estimed in Morocco, but not much known in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, with his Adoha group, Anas Sefrioui is quite active on the continent, mainly in the sectors of housing and construction materials production.

The two men share a common point which is they both embarked on a quest to conquer Africa’s cement market. Dangote Cement, true giant on the Lagos stock market, rivals in Africa with global leaders such as French Lafarge and Swiss Holcim that have merged. Dangote Cement is present in more than 15 countries on the continent and produces 45 million tons of cement, which it plans, according to its executives, to increase to 100 million tons

As for the Adoha group, it operates in Africa’s cement industry via the Ciments de l’Afrique (CIMAF). Though more modest than Dangote Cement, it still is present in 11 African countries, with around 12 cement factories, producing close to nine million tons. Sefrioui’s group also plans to expand across the continent.

Another common point to the two men is agriculture. In truth, Dangote was already active in the agribusiness sector with his sugar or flour production factories. However, now the goal is to really feed Africans. Indeed, Dangote’s group recently announced a direct investment of $3.8 billion over three years, in the production of rice, sugar and dairy products. The objective is to satisfy Nigeria’s demand for these products and curb their import.

Anas Sefrioui for his part, profiting from the Senegalese government’s plan to reduce rice imports, announced that Afri Partners, subsidiary of his group, would produce close to 115,000 metric tons of rice per year with an investment of €114 million in the country. More recently, the businessman signed an agreement with the Ivorian government to develop a project which would upon reaching maturity result in the production of 125,000 metric tons of rice per year.

After significantly contributing to the boost of Africa’s cement production capacity, and also making the commodity more accessible in terms of prices, Dangote and Sefrioui are now moving to bridging the gap in supply of basic food products in Africa. Is it possible that the two men had the same dream? Very likely, it appears. 

Idriss Linge