Africa-Press – Malawi. Portland Cement Malawi Limited has said it is in the final stages of completing its groundbreaking cement manufacturing plant in Balaka District, an investment valued at over K200 billion.
The facility, which is set to be commissioned before the end of this year, is poised to become a game-changer in Malawi’s construction industry and the economy.
The Balaka Plant is one of the most significant industrial projects in recent years and is expected to double the company’s current annual production capacity, which stands at 300,000 tonnes.
This boost will help meet the growing national demand for cement, driven by residential, commercial, and public infrastructure development.
Portland Cement Chief Executive Officer Jianguo Liu said plant’s impact goes far beyond cement production.
It will support Malawi’s broader Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining (ATM) Strategy by promoting industrial expansion, generating local employment, and enhancing economic resilience. Importantly, the plant will produce clinker—a key raw material in cement manufacturing locally, reducing the country’s dependency on imports and saving approximately USD50 million in foreign exchange annually.
Construction of the plant has already created hundreds of jobs, and once operational, it will offer long-term employment opportunities while stimulating economic activity in surrounding communities.
“This is more than a plant, it’s a national asset.
“Our expansion into Balaka reflects not only our confidence in Malawi’s economic future but also our commitment to sustainable industrial growth that benefits the people and the nation at large,” Liu said.
He said the country is expected to benefit significantly through increased mining royalties, with projections indicating K5.5 billion in revenue from lime mining activities alone. Portland Cement is a subsidiary of Huaxin Cement, China’s largest cement manufacturer, which has been in operation since 1907.
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