Africa-Press – Rwanda. Narendra Raval, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Devki Group of Companies, owner of CIMERWA, announced an ambitious commitment to make Rwanda fully self-sufficient in cement production, eliminating the need for imports in the near future.
Raval made the remarks on November 14, during a customer engagement meeting with stakeholders and distributors in Kigali, where participants raised a common concern about delays in cement delivery.
Narendra Raval, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Devki Group of Companies, which owns CIMERWA, delivers his remarks during a customer engagement meeting with stakeholders and distributors in Kigali on November 14.
However, the Chairman together with CEOs in Rwanda, reassured them that CIMERWA, Rwanda’s only integrated cement manufacturer and part of the Devki Group, is upgrading its facilities and increasing transportation capacity to improve supply efficiency.
“We want to make sure that Rwanda keeps competitive prices and becomes completely free of cement importation. Today, we have already achieved 86 per cent. Imports have dropped from 30,000 tonnes per month to just 6,000 tonnes,” Raval said.
Mangesh Kumar Verma, CIMERWA’s Chief Executive Officer, speaks during a customer engagement meeting with stakeholders and distributors in Kigali on November 14. All Photos by Craish Bahizi
“I have promised myself, my staff, and the country that by the next budget meeting, we will achieve a 100 per cent import-free Rwanda.”
Raval praised Rwanda’s governance, predictability, and investor-friendly environment, saying these factors give long-term confidence to the Devki Group’s expansion agenda.
According to the presentation, CIMERWA has strong sales across the country Kigali at 68%, North at 89%, East at 60%, South at 70%, and West at 95%. The company also reaches a 96% export penetration in DR Congo.
“By coming to Rwanda, we have experienced a totally different law and order which works. It is promising for the investor, which is for the long term, predictable and the support of the government of Rwanda is tremendous not only to us but also to each and every investor in the country,” he said.
“If this is the way we will go, and the country will go, Rwanda within the next two to three years’will be 100 per cent net exporter in most of the items produced in Rwanda, and will become the hub of export for the items produced here even if the raw materials have to come from outside,” he added.
A CIMERWA client asks a question during a customer engagement meeting with stakeholders and distributors in Kigali on November 14. Photos by Craish Bahizi.
CIMERWA already exports cement to DR Congo, and plans to expand its regional footprint within the next two years through increased production and improved competitiveness.
Expansion and pushing Rwanda towards self-sufficiency
According to the presentation, CIMERWA continues to strengthen its nationwide presence with strong regional sales; Kigali at 68, North 89, East 60, South 70, West 95 per cents and export penetration in DR Congo reaching 96 per cent.
Data shows that with ongoing upgrades at the Bugarama plant, production capacity will rise to 1.1 million tonnes per year, while the Musanze Grinding Plant continues to produce 600,000 tonnes annually.
The company’s market leadership has grown, with its share rising from 53 to 83 per cent as competitors declined, supported by certified product quality from its ISO/IEC 17025, accredited laboratory and reliable nationwide supply.
Beyond production, operators said that CIMERWA is committed to community development, environmental protection, and local empowerment, while aligning with Rwanda’s Green Growth Strategy and national priorities.
Local clinker production
A new clinker production facility, set to begin construction next year, will transform Musanze into a fully integrated plant, further reducing Rwanda’s dependence on imported cement and advancing national industrialisation goals.
“We are still importing clinker, but I promise the people of Rwanda that we are looking for limestone deposits. We will produce clinker locally and make Rwanda a net exporter of both clinker and cement within two years,” Raval said.
He added that reducing imports protects local jobs and keeps value creation within the country.
Praise for Rwanda’s culture and leadership
In a personal account, Raval shared an incident where hotel staff returned $600 he had forgotten in his laundry, a moment he said reflected Rwanda’s strong culture of honesty.
“What a great culture. This culture does not come from below; it comes from the top. Rwanda has one of the best governments and the best leadership. That is why I am proud to invest my hard-earned money here,” he said.
“Please take advantage and make yourself and your country self-dependent. We are committed to staying here. We are committed to investing and working with Rwanda’s people, and we will work with all of you. Your pain is our pain. It is not that we are just listening for very little profit, no,” he added.
Commitment to community and national development
Beyond its commercial success, the company remains committed to community development through support to education, healthcare, and clean-water projects, while prioritising local employment and partnerships.
CIMERWA also upholds strong environmental practices, including reforestation, dust control, and waste management, aligning its operations with Rwanda’s Green Growth Strategy and national development goals. Its contributions extend to sports and wellbeing through annual support to Espoir Football Club–Rusizi, as well as active participation in national initiatives.
Operating with high standards of compliance, quality, and sustainability, it aims to consistently deliver expansion projects on time, strengthen customer and stakeholder engagement, and position itself as the leading producer of quality cement and related solutions in the Great Lakes region while maximising value for all stakeholders.
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