Business
Will cement production surge to 1.8 million tonnes translate to lower prices?
As cement production rises to 1.8 million
Picture: Zambian Business Times
As cement production rises to 1.8 million tonnes, consumers are asking whether this will translate into lower cement prices. Zambia’s cement industry has risen, with production reaching 1,855,263 tonnes in the first half of 2026, an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
According to the latest official report seen by the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), this year-onyear rise of more than 196,800 metric tonnes underscores the sector’s strong and sustained growth. The Zambian market is currently officially served by six major producers:
Chilanga Cement, Zambezi Portland, Baudot, Oriental, Dangote, and Mphande Limestone. Chilanga Cement, the country’s largest cement producer, has acknowledged the heightened expectations but points out that cement pricing is shaped by a range of factors, including energy costs, exchange rate fluctuations, production expenses, and broader market dynamics.
Chilanga Cement, majority-owned by the Chinese company Huaxin Cement through its subsidiary Huaxin (Hainan) Investment Co., Ltd., has also posted a 17% increase in cement production for the first half of 2026. According to the official consolidated data on cement production, Chilanga Cement produced over 576,600 metric tonnes of cement from January to June 2026, compared to 494,300 metric tonnes.
“While it is difficult to predict immediate price reductions, the industry’s ability to maintain stable pricing despite economic and operational challenges is encouraging,” said Gift Danga, Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager at Chilanga Cement Plc, in an interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT.
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Danga noted that, “as the macroeconomic environment continues to improve, consumers should, however, benefit from increased production capacity, enhanced product availability, and ongoing investment in the industry. Ultimately, our commitment is to ensure that the customer remains the primary beneficiary of these positive developments.”
He noted that over recent years, cement prices in Zambia have remained relatively stable, even amid volatile exchange rates and energy supply issues. With sustained production growth and improved operating conditions, there is growing optimism that consumers will soon see further benefits, potentially including more competitive pricing and better access to essential building materials.
Article by Tyndale Muchiya
Source: Zambian Business Times — Read more
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