Soaring construction costs hit N’Djamena’s building sector

In N’Djamena, households and businesses are grappling with a steep rise in construction material prices, putting additional strain on property development projects across the capital.

The surge in costs has been particularly sharp, with several key materials now priced significantly higher than just weeks ago. What once cost 3,000 FCFA for a bundle of lambour wood now sells between 4,500 and 5,000 FCFA. Similarly, chevron beams have jumped from 6,000 to 9,000 FCFA, while white planks have climbed from 9,000 to 14,000 FCFA. A bag of Dangote cement, a staple in local construction, now retails at 11,000 FCFA.

Local hardware store owners cite rising import duties as the primary driver behind these price hikes. They report that recent customs tariff adjustments have nearly doubled their supply costs, making it far more expensive to stock essential building supplies.

Mahamat, a quincaillerie manager, notes, “The price surge stems from the new customs tariffs, which have effectively doubled. This has made it difficult to maintain affordable prices for customers.”