Visionary Reports

The launch of an ambitious aluminum transformation project in Douala by Prime Minister and Head of Government Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute marks a significant moment for Cameroon’s industrial landscape, ushering in a new era of economic growth and job creation.

The laying of the foundation stone on September 12 highlights the strategic partnership between the Cameroonian government and the private sector, aimed at positioning the nation as a leader in aluminum transformation within the sub-region. With an investment of 88 billion CFA francs, the new facility is expected to produce significant quantities of aluminum and copper products, contributing to local employment and reducing reliance on imports. As dignitaries and industry leaders gathered to commemorate this initiative, the event underscored the commitment to enhancing the socio-economic fabric of Cameroon while adhering to the vision set forth by His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic. The prospects of the partnership shine bright, promising to bolster the nation’s economy and provide a much-needed boost to the energy sector. The new industry known as for PROALU, an industrial complex based in Douala is specializing in the transformation of aluminum and copper products dedicated to the local and sub-regional market. The investment amounts to 88 billion CFA francs and will ultimately produce 60,000 tons per year of aluminum coil, pre-painted aluminum and steel coils, sandwich panels, and composite panels, as well as 8,000 tons per year of electrical cables in copper and aluminum. It thus provides an effective response to the import substitution policy outlined in the SND30 and aims to contribute to job creation and strengthening the public finances of the State. It is constructed following government’s directive to locally transform raw materials to enhance the socio-economic value added in the aluminum value chain. The factory, is built on on a surface area of approximately 72,000 square meters.

The innitiave is another brainchild of PROMETAL group, reasons why they general manager of PROMETAL Hayssam El Jammal explained that ALUCAM will positioned itself as a supplier of raw materials to PROALU, amounting to 48 billion CFA francs, becoming an important client for PROMETAL Group. He equally announced that the joint effort will provide 450 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect jobs, a factual transfer of technology, the creation of significant additional local value, 15 megawatts of subscribed electrical power, and 800,000 cubic meters of gas consumed annually. The reduction of imports, the stimulation of the economy by revitalizing another vital growth sector, particularly the energy sector, and the reduction of the trade balance deficit through a decrease in electrical cable imports by at least 30 billion CFA francs per year.

By Gina Esong