Wedoany.com Report-Dec.6, A new US$100 million integrated cement plant has officially opened in Balaka, southern Malawi, marking one of the country's largest industrial investments in recent years. The facility is a collaboration between China's Huaxin Cement Group and Portland Cement Malawi Ltd. It is expected to strengthen domestic cement supply and reduce reliance on imports, significantly contributing to the country's industrial growth.

The launch ceremony was attended by key figures including Malawi's Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation, Joseph Mwanamvekha, Chinese Ambassador Lu Xu, and Wang Xuanqian, CEO of Huaxin's Natal Portland Cement operation in South Africa.

Mwanamvekha praised the project as a "significant milestone" in Malawi's industrialisation efforts under the Malawi 2063 agenda. He said: "The commissioning of the plant is not just a significant step towards realising this goal but a beacon of hope for the future of our manufacturing sector." He further highlighted that the investment reflects growing confidence in Malawi's improving business environment and will help stabilise the supply of cement for infrastructure development.

The new plant is capable of producing around 800,000 tons per year (tpa) of cement, enabling Malawi to reduce clinker and cement imports. It is also expected to create jobs and support local value chains, contributing to the broader economic growth of the country.

Ambassador Lu described the plant as the largest manufacturing investment by a Chinese company in Malawi to date. She emphasized that the project would enhance industrial capacity, promote self-sufficiency, and save the country approximately US$50 million annually in foreign exchange. Additionally, it is expected to generate US$15 million in export earnings.

Government officials have praised the partnership between Portland Cement Malawi and Huaxin as a model for responsible foreign direct investment. The collaboration combines advanced technological expertise with community engagement and a commitment to sustainable industrial growth.

The plant is expected to play a key role in meeting Malawi's growing cement demand as construction activities accelerate across the country, further driving the nation's infrastructure development and industrialisation goals.