Ouagadougou: The Burkinabe government announced the creation and approval of CIM SAHEL, a new mixed economy company primarily owned by the public, to regulate the national market for construction materials, particularly cement, and protect consumers.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the establishment of CIM SAHEL aims to address cement shortages and speculative practices that have affected the market. The initiative is part of the national industrialization policy and is expected to create 413 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs, as reported by the Council of Ministers.

The newly formed company is designed to bolster national industrial sovereignty, stabilize and lower cement costs, and support major housing, road, dam, and infrastructure projects. It also signifies more direct state involvement in this strategic sector.

The cement industry in Burkina Faso has expanded significantly, with several industrial units increasing national production capacity to between 6 and 7 million tons per year. This output is meant to meet domestic demands and produce surpluses for regional markets. Despite this growth, the government highlights ongoing challenges, such as persistent shortages and market speculation, which have adversely impacted consumers.

A second decree by the Council of Ministers has approved specific statutes for CIM SAHEL, providing it with the regulatory framework required for its operations.