Various bagasse fibre/cement composites have been prepared, the fibres having a random distribution in the composites. The influence of different parameters on the setting of the composite material has been studied: (1) botanical components of the fibre, (2) thermal or chemical treatment of the fibre, (3) bagasse fibre content and (4) added water percentage. This study shows a retarding effect of lignin on the setting of the composite, for small amount of heat-treated bagasse (200 °C) the behaviour of the composite is closely the same as the classical cement or cellulose/cement composite.