Namibia’s Whale Rock cement plant, built with Chinese investment, is expected to fully commission at the end of October, according to company spokesman Manfred Uxamb.

The plant represents an investment of US$350m and is expected to produce 1.2Mta of Cheetah-branded cement.

Production at the plant started in April. "Whale Rock Cement has already started with cement production in April and has entered the market in May 2018," Mr Uxamb said.

"Our plant is built for a global market from the start,” he added. "Our horizon is stretched and wherever needs arise, our cement will be there globally."

Following the introduction of the cement on the market, he expects prices to drop. Current cement demand in Namibia is estimated at 0.5-0.6Mta.