Lafarge, a renowned company specializing in cement supply, has been an integral part of Seychelles for the past 45 years. From its early days as Baobab Cement involved in the construction of the Seychelles international airport, to its present status as a subsidiary of the French company LafargeHolcim, the company has played a significant role in meeting the cement demand in the archipelago.

Early Years and Acquisition

Baobab Cement, as Lafarge was previously known in the early 1970s, contributed to the construction of the Seychelles international airport situated at Pointe Larue, which involved land reclamation from the sea. Lafarge took over the operations in 2004, coinciding with the entry of Farouk Jean-Baptiste into the company, further strengthening its leadership in the industry.

Cement Supply and Market Dominance

With an estimated annual cement consumption of 40,000 tonnes in Seychelles, Lafarge currently supplies around 65 percent of the total demand for cement in the Indian Ocean archipelago. To meet this demand, Lafarge imports cement from Lankawi, Malaysia, ensuring a consistent supply. In anticipation of an upcoming construction boom, the company has doubled its storage capacity, reinforcing its commitment to meeting future demands efficiently.

Expansion and Infrastructure Investment

In 2015, Lafarge constructed a state-of-the-art 4,000-tonne silo at its depot near the Seychelles Commercial Port in Victoria. This remarkable undertaking involved importing a 45-meter crane weighing 28 tonnes from Reunion island. The construction of the 35-meter high silo not only increased Lafarge's storage capacity but also reduced operational costs by minimizing the frequency of vessel arrivals.

Packaging and Cement Longevity

Lafarge sells its cement in biodegradable paper bags weighing 50 kg. When appropriately stored on pallets and covered with tarpaulin, the cement can retain its strength for an average of two months. This attention to packaging and storage ensures that the cement maintains its quality and usability, contributing to the success and reliability of Lafarge's products.

Lafarge's enduring presence in Seychelles over the past 45 years has solidified its reputation as a leading cement supplier. Through its extensive infrastructure investments, efficient supply chain, and commitment to quality, the company continues to play a vital role in meeting Seychelles' growing construction needs. Lafarge's contributions have not only fueled the development of the archipelago but also supported the aspirations of masons, builders, architects, and engineers in Seychelles and beyond.