The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, has issued a statement confirming a nationwide cement shortage and outlining government measures to address it.
He highlighted that the shortage is largely due to maintenance work and unexpected breakdowns at several cement production plants.
“The Minister of Industry and Commerce takes this opportunity to advise the nation on the recent Cement shortages. The nation has been experiencing constrained production of cement due to widespread shortage of clinker across the cement industry. In addition, some of the players were on scheduled maintenance and others had plant breakdowns,” said the Minister.
The Minister’s statement also noted that the surge in demand is a direct result of the rapid growth in the construction industry.
“It is noted that the construction boom by both public and private sector has exerted huge demand for cement causing mismatch between demand and supply. Furthermore, the increase in demand for cement in Zambia, is causing Zimbabwean trucks to be delayed at the loading point in Zambia,” said the Minister.
The Ministry has approved the importation of cement to help mitigate the current shortages.
“To alleviate the shortages as well as stabilising the recent price increases, the Ministry is allowing importation of cement through issuance of import licenses. The Ministry has since issued a total of 145 000 MT of import licences from the beginning of October 2025 to date. These measures are expected to address the immediate supply gap. On the other hand, ZIMRA is carrying out a loss control program of following up on cement importers who did not pay surtax and hence importers are now affected by the exercise,” he said.
He also advised that local cement production has since resumed.
“However, we have noted that Sino Zimbabwe has since resumed production and players in the industry are ramping up production. The cement industry, has since advised Government that they have not
increased their prices which are US$9.90 per 32.5N bag and US$10.87 per 42.5N bag. We will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that adequate supplies of cement are available and that prices have stabilised downwards,” the statement outlined.
Furthermore, stakeholders were advised to acquire the necessary licences and adhere to the relevant regulations.
“Stakeholders are reminded that an import license is required for the importation of cement into Zimbabwe. As part of our ongoing Ease of Doing Business reforms, licenses are now being issued at Ministry Offices in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo and Midlands.
“Furthermore, the requirements for the Consignment-Based Conformity
Assessment will be exempted,” he said.
The shortage of cement saw a bag costing USD 18 dollars from $10 dollars.
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Story by Jeremiah Gora
