The state of Rwanda has put up its 49 per cent stake in Cimerwa up for sale, according to an announcement made by the country’s Prime Minister, Edouard Ngirente on 9 March 2019. An auction will be organised at the end of the month.

South Africa-based PPC currently holds a majority stake of 51 per cent in the Rwandan cement producer, but has not expressed an interest in acquiring the 49 per cent shareholding for sale. Cimerwa operates a 0.6Mta integrated plant in Rusizi.

The government is confident it will find a buyer given the current construction boom in the country. In recent years, the Rwandan government has built several roads, power plants, a new international airport and other infrastructure. As a result, cement demand has grown at an annual rate of 7-8 per cent.