Abay Cement has officially launched the construction of its plant in Dejen district of the Amhara region. The construction of the plant will cost ETB8.8bn (US$306m).

Dr Ambachew Mekonnen, president of the Amhara regional state, as well as other government officials were present during the launching ceremony.

The construction of the plant, which is estimated to take two years to complete and four more months to complete, will have a production capacity of 2.25Mta of cement. Abay Cement is expected to create 1500 new jobs.