Lafarge Zambia reports first-half profit rise

Lafarge Zambia reported a 66 per cent rise in first half profit to ZMK181m (US$29,86), due in part to favourable volumes and cost control measures.
 
Company chief executive officer, Emmanuel Rigaux, highlighted that the results improved despite domestic and export markets facing challenges with stiffening competition, cost inflation and a number of changes in the regulatory environment. "Together with improvements in operational and industrial performance at our Ndola and Chilanga plants, we have managed to attain encouraging first half results despite a challenging environment in Zambia and key export markets," explained Rigaux.

He added that the demand for the cement in which the company operates is expected to remain strong for the rest of this year, saying innovative products, services and solutions would be introduced as required to satisfy the growing demand in the construction sector.