Hwange Cement Plant Nears Completion

Oscar J Jeke | Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s cement industry is set for a major boost as JainQiang Cement Pvt Ltd nears completion of its new plant in Hwange, with 95% of construction already done.

The facility, which broke ground in April, will have a monthly production capacity of 50,000 tonnes once operational.

The development is expected to ease supply bottlenecks that have plagued the local market, often forcing contractors and builders to pay high prices or rely on imports.

Zimbabwe’s annual cement demand is estimated at around 1.4 million tonnes, driven by government infrastructure projects, private housing construction, and regional exports.

However, existing players, including PPC Zimbabwe, Lafarge Cement (now Khaya Cement), and Sino-Zimbabwe Cement, have at times struggled to meet rising demand due to plant breakdowns, limited capacity, and foreign currency shortages.

JainQiang’s entry comes at a crucial time. Cement shortages in 2023 and 2024 saw retail prices surge to over US$20 per 50kg bag in some parts of the country, sparking public outcry and stalling construction projects.

By expanding local capacity, authorities expect the Hwange plant to stabilise supply, lower costs, and reduce reliance on imports from neighbouring countries such as Zambia and South Africa.

Beyond import substitution, the plant could enhance Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in the region. With output of 600,000 tonnes annually, JainQiang Cement is well positioned not only to meet domestic needs but also to tap into export markets, particularly in southern Africa where infrastructure demand remains strong.

The project’s location is also a boost to the rural industrialisation strategy, which seeks to decentralise investment and create jobs outside major cities.

Once fully operational, the Hwange plant is expected to employ hundreds of people directly and benefit thousands more through downstream industries, logistics, and service providers.

“JainQiang Cement Pvt Ltd (Hwange) is setting up a cement manufacturing plant with the capacity to produce 50,000 tonnes per month. Construction began in April this year and is now 95% complete.

"This development will significantly reduce the cement import bill and make cement available and affordable in the Zimbabwean market. The project will also employ a large number of people in need of jobs,” the Ministry of Industry said.