Oliver Kazunga-Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S push to widen its manufacturing base is set for a fresh boost, with Dinson Iron and Steel Company scheduled to commission a 200 000-tonne-a-year cement plant in Manhize next week.
The US$15 million investment is expected to create 200 jobs, strengthen local cement supplies, and open new export opportunities.
Located within Dinson’s Special Economic Zone in Manhize, Midlands Province, the facility marks the company’s expansion beyond steel production into a critical construction materials industry.
Zimbabwe’s annual cement demand is estimated at between 1,6 million and 2,5 million tonnes, while installed production capacity stands higher at 2,6 million to 3,4 million tonnes.
However, effective local output has historically lagged at between 1,7 million and 1,9 million tonnes due to clinker shortages and kiln downtime.
In an interview yesterday, Dinson project director Mr Wilfred Motsi said preparations were at an advanced stage for production to commence next week.
“We are preparing to commence production at our cement plant in a week’s time. 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,” he said.
Mr Motsi said the production strategy would cater for both domestic and foreign markets.
“The addition of our cement manufacturing plant strengthens domestic production capacity and provides further supply options to the construction industry,” he said.
The investment comes as demand for construction materials remains high amid infrastructure development, housing delivery, and mining expansion.
Siting the plant within Dinson’s integrated industrial complex creates synergies, notably the use of steel slag as a raw material in cement manufacturing. The company will also source limestone locally from areas such as Lalapanzi and Masvingo, strengthening linkages with the domestic mining sector.
Backed by Chinese investment and Government Special Economic Zone incentives, Dinson commissioned Phase One of its steel operations in 2024 with an annual target of 600 000 tonnes. It currently produces steel billets, reinforced bars, pig iron, and wire rods.
Beyond the 200 direct jobs, the plant is expected to stimulate economic activity across transport, distribution, and supply chains while generating foreign currency from manufactured exports.
Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ) chief executive officer Mr Martin Chingaira welcomed the development, noting that additional capacity would keep projects on schedule and help curb costs.
“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 added that cement remains a major expense for contractors.
“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.
