Chinese cement plant creates 450 jobs in Zimbabwe

Published: 11 June 2026

A major cement manufacturing plant under construction in Chegutu has already created approximately 450 jobs and is expected to produce nearly 800,000 tonnes of cement annually once commissioned in August, providing a significant boost to Zimbabwe's manufacturing sector and local economy.

The facility, being developed by Shuntai, a Chinese-backed cement producer, has emerged as one of the largest new investments in Zimbabwe's cement industry in recent years and is expected to strengthen domestic production capacity while helping to address cement supply constraints.

The project is also expected to contribute to employment creation, skills development and broader industrial growth, underscoring continued foreign direct investment in Zimbabwe's manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.

The plant was initially scheduled for commissioning in May, but completion was delayed after disruptions to equipment deliveries linked to the conflict between Iran and Israel affected project timelines.

Speaking during a tour of the facility, Marian Chombo said the project was now approximately 90 percent complete and was already delivering tangible benefits to surrounding communities.

"Work is progressing well and the company is employing more local people, with approximately 450 workers currently on site," she said.

"We have encouraged the company to hire Zimbabwean technicians alongside the Chinese workers."

Chombo said the plant would play an important role in increasing local cement production and supporting the country's growing construction sector.

"Once commissioned, the plant is expected to produce about 800,000 tonnes of cement annually and this will contribute to the country's GDP while making cement more accessible and affordable," she said.

In addition to cement production, the facility is expected to contribute to Zimbabwe's power generation capacity through its planned thermal power plant.

"Although Zimbabwe continues to face energy challenges, the plant will generate its own thermal power and is expected to produce 50 megawatts. Once fully operational, excess power can be fed into the national grid," Chombo said.

She noted that the project was already having a positive impact on local communities through employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

"I am pleased with the progress being made here because the project will have a positive impact on local communities," she said.

"Many of the workers here are youths from the area."

Shuntai Investments general manager Lee Xiandong said the company had prioritised energy security by investing in its own power generation infrastructure.

"As we know, Zimbabwe is still developing and every industry needs electricity. Demand is very high and there are sometimes power shortages," he said.

"To mitigate these shortages, we are going to build our own power plant."

Industry observers say the new facility is expected to increase competition within Zimbabwe's cement sector, improve product availability and support ongoing infrastructure development projects across the country.

The investment also aligns with national efforts to expand local manufacturing capacity, reduce reliance on imports and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Once operational, the plant is expected to become a key contributor to Zimbabwe's construction materials industry while supporting economic activity in Mashonaland West Province and beyond.
- newsday

Tags: Cement,