mbulelo smpofu
Rutendo Nyeve, Features Reporter
THE cement industry in Zimbabwe, long dominated by local manufacturers, is facing a significant challenge from imported cement.
PPC Zimbabwe, formerly known as Premier Portland Cement, has been a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s cement industrial landscape since its establishment in 1913.
Over the years, the company has expanded its operations, acquiring other cement producers and increasing its production capacity. Today, PPC Zimbabwe boasts a market share of over 50 percent with a combined milling capacity of 1,4 million tonnes per annum across its Bulawayo, Collen Bawn and Harare plants.
The company’s dominance in the market has been built on a strong foundation of local production, supported by a robust supply chain and a diverse product portfolio.
PPC Zimbabwe’s offerings, including the Sureroad, Surecem essentiality and Suretech ranges, cater to various construction needs, from road building to high-strength structural applications.
However, the local cement industry is now under threat from an unexpected source: imported cement.
PPC Zimbabwe Managing Director Mr Albert Sigei, recently outlined to a delegation from the Office of The President and Cabinet (OPC) led by the Permanent Secretary Mr Tafadzwa Muguti, how the influx of imported cement is disrupting the market, threatening local manufacturers and potentially undermining the country’s industrial growth.
According to Mr Sigei, the volume of cement imports into Zimbabwe has been steadily increasing. Between November 2023 and October 2024, a total of 449 932 tonnes of cement were imported into the country.
This represents a significant portion of the market, especially compared to the total market size of 1.8 million tonnes in the 2024/2025 financial year.
Mr Sigei highlighted that imports now account for 25 percent of the market, up from 14 percent in the previous year. This surge in imports has been driven by several factors, including the availability of cheaper cement from neighbouring countries and the relative ease of importing goods into Zimbabwe.
The rise in imports has had a direct impact on local manufacturers like PPC Zimbabwe. Mr Sigei noted that the company’s market share has declined from 58 percent in 2024 to an estimated 52 percent in 2025.
“This decline is not just a matter of lost revenue; it also has broader implications for the local economy. The most immediate impact of increased imports is the loss of market share and revenue for local manufacturers.
“As imported cement floods the market, local producers are forced to compete with lower-priced products, often at the expense of their profit margins. This, in turn, affects the ability to invest in new technologies, expand production capacity and maintain the workforce,” said Mr Sigei.
The cement industry is a significant employer in Zimbabwe, providing jobs for thousands of workers across the country. A decline in local production could lead to job losses.
Mr Sigei emphasised that the industry’s ability to sustain jobs is directly linked to its ability to compete with imports.
The cement industry is a key driver of Zimbabwe’s industrial growth. It supports the construction sector, which is vital for infrastructure development, housing and economic expansion.
If local manufacturers are unable to compete with imports, the entire industrial ecosystem could be undermined, leading to slower economic growth and reduced investment in infrastructure.
Mr Sigei also shed light on the competitive landscape of the cement industry in Zimbabwe. While PPC Zimbabwe remains the dominant player at a capacity of 1.4 million tonnes per annum, other local manufacturers such as Khayah Cement, Sino Zimbabwe and Livetouch are also feeling the pressure from imports.
Livetouch, in particular, has been expanding its operations, with plans to build a 200 000-tonne-per-annum vertical shaft kiln in Mberengwa District.
However, the project appears to be on hold, possibly due to the challenging market conditions created by imports.
The sector has also seen investment interest with West China announcing a US$1 billion investment in Zimbabwe, which could further intensify competition in the cement market.
The rise in cement imports has also raised questions about the role of regulatory bodies in protecting local industries.
Several key regulatory stakeholders, including the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) have been called to stem the tide of imports.
In response to the growing threat from imports, PPC Zimbabwe has outlined several strategies to mitigate the impact on its business.
“We are offering discounts on certain products, introducing volume rebates and optimising production processes to reduce costs. The company is also exploring opportunities to increase clinker production at the Colleen Bawn plant, which could help improve competitiveness in the market.
“Additionally, PPC Zimbabwe is investing in renewable energy projects, such as solar power, to reduce its reliance on the national grid and lower its production costs. The company is also engaging the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) to explore power banking and net metering arrangements, which could further enhance its energy efficiency,” said Mr Sigei.
The challenge facing Zimbabwe’s cement industry is, however, not unique. Many countries around the world grapple with the tension between promoting free trade and protecting local industries.
However, the situation in Zimbabwe is particularly acute, given the country’s economy and the critical role of the cement industry in driving industrial growth.
The rise in cement imports is a significant threat to local manufacturers and without effective policy interventions, the industry could face further declines in market share, revenue and employment. At the same time, it is important to strike a balance between protecting local industries and promoting competition, which is essential for driving innovation and efficiency.
The cement industry in Zimbabwe is at a crossroads. The rise in imports presents a clear and present danger to local manufacturers, threatening jobs, revenue and industrial growth. However, with the right policies and strategies, the industry can weather this storm and emerge stronger.
It is time for relevant authorities to take decisive action to protect local manufacturers, while also fostering a competitive and dynamic market. The future of Zimbabwe’s cement industry and indeed, its broader industrial landscape depends on it. — @nyeve14.
Colletta Dube