Douala, Bafoussam, Yaounde: Construction experts test, salute quality of Dangote cement’s BlocMaster.

The construction experts tested BlocMaster 42.5R under real work conditions, saluting its resistance and quality.

Block manufacturers in Douala have tested the new product under real working conditions and shared encouraging feedback on its performance. The testing exercise comes six weeks after the product was released to the market. The first of three field demonstration exercises took place on Thursday 29 and Friday, July 31, at 'Briqueterie Ekango' in the Santa Barbara neighbourhood of Bonamoussadi, Douala. There were demonstrations at Briqueterie Sahel, Briqueterie FTZ.

In Yaounde, Dangote Cement officials and stakeholders organised demonstrations in: Briquiterie Carrefour Nomayos, Briquiterie Tsinga village, Briquiterie Pettit Marche Fougerole, Ets Wamba at Odza, Chefferie Minkan and its Mfou at Entrée Lycee.  The Yaoude lap of the campaign spanned August 5 to 11.

Meanwhile, in Bafoussam, the Dangote Cement team engaged with block molders and other stakeholders on August 5 and 6. 

The demonstrations in the West Regional capital took place at Fabrique Tamkam, Bafoussam Force de Dieu, ETS Tedefeu and Bafoussam Camp Sable. 

Block molders used the outreach teams used the campaigns to familiarise with the technical characteristics and practical advantages of the Dangote Cement's latest innovation.

Besides molders, masons, distributors and Dangote technical experts, used the occasion to explain the product's features. 

Innovation born from industry needs

According to the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Dangote Cement Cameroon, His Majesty Bertrand Mbouck, the product was conceived after extensive consultations with construction professionals.

Mbouck said they had repeatedly requested a cement capable of delivering faster setting time, improved productivity and stronger blocks at an early age.

He said BlocMaster is designed to enable manufacturers to demould, transport and store freshly moulded blocks much earlier than with conventional products. This, he noted, improves production efficiency and profitability.

From theory to practice

The Technical Sales Manager, Christelle Kemeni, said Dangote Cement  deliberately chose to meet professionals in their actual work environment given that the product was designed around their daily realities.

Dangote's technical and research teams, Kemeni said, spent several months visiting block-making sites, gathering feedback from users and identifying the operational challenges they face. 

According to her, one concern repeatedly raised by professionals was the need for cement that develops strength more rapidly while maintaining high durability.

"Our teams visited production sites, listened to your concerns and went back to the laboratory to develop a product that responds directly to those needs," she said.

Kemeni added that the objective was not only to introduce another cement brand but to provide a practical solution capable of improving productivity. This, she said, was done while taking into consideration, durability.

The Technical Sales Manager noted that BlocMaster can also be used for foundations, masonry works, plastering and other structural applications. 

Kemeni noted that, the product offers improved workability and reduces the risks of cracks during construction.

Positive early market response

Speaking after the demonstration, Christelle Kemeni disclosed that the initial market response has been encouraging. She revealed that the host block manufacturer requested an additional consignment shortly after testing the product.

Many participants, she said, expressed satisfaction with the colour, workability and overall performance of the cement. 

Kemeni said attendance also exceeded the company's expectations, with more professionals participating than originally anticipated.

She described the mobilisation as a strong indication of growing interest in specialised cement solutions tailored to the needs of Cameroon's construction industry.

Kemeni said the company intends to continue organising technical demonstrations, educational campaigns and field visits to help block manufacturers, masons and contractors in other parts of the country to better understand the appropriate use of specialised cement products.

BlocMaster developed for users

Quality Manager at Dangote Cement Cameroon, Modest Ekongolo, told participants that BlocMaster was developed after years of collaboration with customers.

He recalled that Dangote Cement Cameroon had previously introduced products such as 3X and Falcon. Ekongolo noted that continuous interaction with users revealed the need for an even faster-setting cement dedicated to block manufacturing.

"For years, many of you told us that while Dangote cement is strong and reliable, you wanted a product that sets faster. Our technical teams therefore worked to produce a cement that maintains high strength while significantly improving setting time," he explained.

He described BlocMaster as a product designed first and foremost for block manufacturers. He noted that feedback played a decisive role throughout its development.

Blind tests confirm performance

During the demonstration, Dangote officials also disclosed details of the product validation process undertaken before commercial launch.

According to the company, technical teams conducted blind tests involving 64 block manufacturers across 50 production sites in Douala and Yaounde.

Participants, they said, were provided with several unidentified cement samples marked only with letters rather than brand names.

Each manufacturer, they added, tested the products under normal production conditions using their workers, equipment and construction materials.

Company representatives explained that the objective was to eliminate bias and allow users to select the best-performing cement solely on the basis of performance.

The results, they said, showed the sample identified only as "C" consistently emerged among the preferred products. Participants later discovered that the winning sample was BlocMaster.

Dangote officials said the exercise confirmed that the product met the practical expectations of professionals before it was introduced onto the market.

Block manufacturer endorses product

The Proprietor of Briqueterie Ekango, Blaise Ekango, said he initially approached the new product with caution despite participating in the blind testing exercise.

He explained that after receiving the first consignment, he produced concrete blocks using BlocMaster before monitoring its quality. According to him, the results exceeded his expectations.

"I manufactured the blocks on Wednesday, watered them as required and by the following morning I was able to move them without difficulty. That was impressive," Ekango stated.

He particularly appreciated the colour and finish of the blocks produced with the new cement. Ekango urged the company to maintain the product's current quality over time.

This, he said, is because, some manufacturers introduce good products but gradually start lowering standards.

"What we want is consistency. If the quality remains the same, users will continue to trust the product," he remarked.

Professionals raise price concerns

While participants generally welcomed the product's technical performance, discussions also focused on affordability. Some block manufacturers observed that cement prices remain an important consideration for businesses operating in an increasingly competitive market.

Dangote officials acknowledged the concern, reiterating that the company seeks to offer products that deliver better value through higher productivity and improved output rather than simply competing on purchase price alone.

Company representatives argued that faster production cycles, earlier block handling and improved durability ultimately reduce operating costs and increase profitability for manufacturers.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3883 of Wednesday August 19, 2026