DR Congo: producers demand six-month import suspension

Cement producers in the Democratic Republic of Congo have urged the country’s Prime Minister, Samy Badibanga, to be tough on cement imports, demanding a suspension of cement imports for a six-month period, strengthening anti-fraud measures and continued logistics support to improve cement distribution.

With the commissioning of PPC Barnet and Cimko plants supply to the west of the country is covered. Local production is expected to surpass the 2.8Mta mark. In addition, CILU’s works is back online following an upgrade that saw the plant’s capacity double to 0.8Mta. As a result, domestic output has the potential to reach 4Mta.

Recently a joint commission was set up with cement producers and the relevant ministries, under the supervision of the Ministry of Finane and the Prime Minister. It will start by examining the Prime Minister’s proposal for a three-month import suspension.