Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister of Senegal, has accused four major cement producers of benefiting from unjustified tax breaks that have allegedly cost the state 418 billion CFA francs in lost revenue.
The companies — Sococim, Dangote Cement, Cimenteries du Sahel, and Ciments de l’Afrique — rejected the claim in a joint statement.
They argued that the tax incentives stem from agreements legally signed with the Government to attract investment and warned that reversing them could undermine investor confidence in the country.
Industry players highlighted their economic contribution, stating they have invested 600 billion CFA francs over the past five years, created more than 10,000 jobs, and helped keep cement prices among the lowest in West Africa.
They also cautioned that stricter tax measures could lead to higher cement prices, raising construction costs and affecting the purchasing power of Senegalese citizens.
The dispute forms part of a broader government review of agreements signed under former president Macky Sall. Sonko said on March 13 that cement producers would be immediately aligned with standard tax regulations, a move expected to generate about 360 billion CFA francs annually for the state, while industry representatives have called for the audit findings to be officially presented.