DINSON Industrial Group, intends to establish a US$15 million cement manufacturing plant in Manhize to boost local production of the building material and reduce imports.
The new plant, to be located within the Dinson Special Economic Zone near Mvuma, will have an annual production capacity of more than 300 000 tonnes and is expected to create about 150 additional jobs when it comes on stream.
The move into cement production isa part of the company’s strategy to support value addition and industrialisation, while leveraging by-products from its steel operations.
Zimbabwe’s cement industry is currently experiencing rising demand, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects, mining expansion and increased private housing construction.
However, local production capacity has struggled to keep pace with demand, estimated at about 1,8 million tonnes annually. As a result, the country imports between 35 000 tonnes and 45 000 tonnes of cement monthly to bridge the supply gap. The authorities say the entry of new players is expected to ease supply constraints, stabilise prices and create jobs.
