Portland Cement Malawi Limited says it is in the final stages of completing its K200 billion cement integrated manufacturing plant in Balaka District, which is poised to become a game-changer in the country’s construction industry.
The plant, located at Ng’onga Hill Mine, is one of the country’s significant industrial projects, which is expected to double the Portland’s current annual production capacity from 300 000 metric tonnes (MT) to meet the national demand for cement.
The plant, to be operational this year, is expected to support the country’s broader Agriculture, Tourism, Mining and Manufacturing (ATMM) strategy by promoting industrial expansion, generating local employment and enhancing economic resilience.
Through the plant, Portland Cement Malawi Limited is expected to create 500 direct and 3 000 indirect jobs in both skilled and unskilled labour and clinker and cement import substitution worth $50 million (about K86 billion), generate foreign exchange through exports estimated at $15 million (about K26 billion) and advancement in technology in cement production.
Speaking in an interview on Friday, Portland Cement chief executive officer Jianguo Liu, said: “Portland Cement is a subsidiary of Huaxin Cement, China’s largest cement manufacturer and ranks among the top 10 cement manufacturers in the world.
He said Huaxin Cement has been operational for more than 115 years and has a shared legacy with Portland Cement as the first cement manufacturer in the country.
Liu said Huaxin’s businesses span more than 300 subsidiaries in cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, eco-business, equipment engineering and new building materials.
“Our expansion into Balaka reflects not only our confidence in Malawi’s construction industry, but also our commitment to sustainable industrial growth that benefits the nation at large,” he said.
The firm said its expansion into Balaka goes beyond investment in infrastructure, but also investment in the country’s future.
With the plant, the country is expected to benefit through increased mining royalties, with projections indicating K5.5 billion in revenue from lime mining activities alone.
Portland Cement Malawi Limited head of marketing, corporate affairs and administration Violet Vilili is quoted as having said that as a responsible corporate citizen, and being the first cement manufacturer in Malawi since 1956, the company has always been compliant with governing requirements and regulations.
“The company remains committed and vigilant to comply with all necessary processes and procedures in its existing operation,” she said.
President Lazarus Chakwera launched the Balaka Portland Cement Integrated Plant on July 25 2024, emphasising that the project is in line with the Malawi Government’s priority under ATMM strategy to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
