Ethiopia: talks on 10-year industry development strategy

Discussions are being held by stakeholders on a draft 10-year cement development strategy for the development of Ethiopia’s cement industry.

State Minister of Industry Mebrat Meles said the strategy will be aimed at boosting plant productivity and ensuring the availability of cement at affordable prices for low income earners. Representatives from domestic cement plants share this same view and vowed to realise the strategy, according to local press reports.

Problems of limited capacity and the scarcity of coal as the main source of power have been identified as the major factors driving up cement prices. As a result, the country is working towards exploiting its coal reserves to save on imports.

The strategy team leader, Dr Gemechu Waktola, the strategy aims to boost the nation’s cement consumption from six to 20Mta. However, the plan requires an investment of ETB600m (US$30m).