Oliver Kazunga
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S construction industry is expected to benefit from increased domestic cement production, with Dinson Iron and Steel Company set to commission a US$15 million cement manufacturing plant at its Manhize Special Economic Zone next week.
The 200 000-tonne-a-year facility is expected to broaden supply options for contractors, support infrastructure development and create 200 employment opportunities as the company diversifies its manufacturing operations beyond steel production.
The development comes as cement remains a critical input in housing construction, road development, mining projects and other infrastructure programmes, with availability and pricing having a direct bearing on construction costs.
In an interview, Dinson project director Mr Wilfred Motsi said preparations for the commencement of production were at an advanced stage.
“We are preparing to commence production at our cement plant in a week’s time,” said Mr Motsi.
“The project will create 200 employment opportunities, providing a further boost to economic activity in the Dinson Iron and Steel Company’s Special Economic Zone while also supporting the development of skills within the manufacturing sector.”
Mr Motsi said the company intended to supply both domestic and foreign markets, creating opportunities to expand Zimbabwe’s manufactured exports.
The plant will source limestone locally, including from areas such as Lalapanzi and Masvingo, strengthening linkages between manufacturing and the mining sector.
It will also utilise steel slag from Dinson’s existing operations as a raw material, creating industrial synergies while maximising the value of resources generated within the integrated industrial complex.
Backed by Chinese investment and Government-supported Special Economic Zone incentives, Dinson commissioned the first phase of its Manhize steel operations in 2024, with an annual production target of 600 000 tonnes.
Its product range includes steel billets, reinforced bars, pig iron and wire rods. Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ) chief executive officer Mr Martin Chingaira welcomed the investment, saying additional domestic production capacity would strengthen the construction industry’s supply options.
“The coming on stream of the Dinson cement plant is a welcome development for the construction industry. “Additional local capacity means our members will have more supply options, and that is critical for keeping projects on schedule,” he said.
Mr Chingaira said cement was among the major cost drivers in construction, making increased competition important for the sector.
“For contractors, cement is one of the biggest cost drivers. More competition in the market should, over time, help to stabilise prices and reduce the cost of construction for housing, roads and infrastructure,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s annual cement demand is estimated at between 1,6 million and 2,5 million tonnes, against installed production capacity of between 2,6 million and 3,4 million tonnes.
However, actual production has historically been constrained by challenges including clinker shortages and kiln downtime.
Dinson’s investment is expected to add another production stream to the domestic cement industry while supporting employment, local supplier participation and potential export growth.
