Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike-Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has authorised private players to import cement, with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce having already issued about 145 000 import licences since October, as a mitigatory measure against current market shortages.
Import licences will be issued in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo and Gweru.
The shortage has been linked to increased demand in Zambia, which has been supplying about 90 percent of imports into the local market.
In a statement, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said shortages of clinker — a key input in cement production — and scheduled maintenance by local producers were among the major contributing factors.
“The nation has been experiencing constrained supply of cement due to a number of factors converging at the same critical period. Noteworthy is the limited domestic production due to widespread shortage of clinker across the cement industry.
“At the same period, some of the players like Sino Zimbabwe were on scheduled maintenance while others like PPC and Lafarge had plant breakdowns,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu also cited increased construction activities in the country as a driver of demand.
“It is paramount to note the construction boom by both public and private sector under the Second Republic and this sector has seen the demand for cement nearly trebling from the 2017 levels, signalling strong growth reflecting a growing economy.
“This has similarly attracted huge investments into the sector, with one new entrant starting operations end of 2024 and two new players coming into operation during the course of 2025, both in Hwange,” he said.
He said current production levels were insufficient to meet rising demand, creating a mismatch between supply and demand.
He added that rising demand in Zambia was causing delays for Zimbabwean trucks at Zambian loading points.
Minister Ndlovu also warned local dealers against profiteering.
“It is disturbing to note the speculative and criminal nature by some individuals and businesses who are taking advantage of this temporary setback to fleece our people, charging exorbitant and ridiculous prices.
“This behaviour should not be tolerated and we appeal to such individuals to uphold good business ethics and principles.
“To alleviate the shortages as well as stabilising the recent price increases, the Ministry is allowing importation of cement through increased issuance of import licenses.
“The Ministry has since issued a total of 145 000 MT of import licences from the beginning of October 2025 to date.
“The measure is starting to bear fruits and we are advised by a number of players who are importing that the product has started arriving,” he said.
He said the cement industry had assured the Government that prices had not been increased and urged the public to avoid panic buying.
he said ZIMRA will follow up on importers who have not paid surtax.
To speed up permit processing, the Ministry has waived the requirement for a Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) certificate until December 20, 2025.
“The Ministry wishes to advise the public that the medium to long term cement plan will see Zimbabwe moving into production surplus before the end of 2026 with major investments coming into production.
“We expect another major investment to come into production towards the end of 2026 going into 2027.
“These investments will almost double our current supply and create opportunities to explore the regional markets,” he said.
Applicants for import licences require a Proforma Invoice, Current ZIMRA Tax Clearance, Current Standard Development Fund Receipt, CR14, Certificate of Incorporation (CR6) and payment of a US$100 licence fee in ZiG equivalent.
