Recently, Jenfan Muswere, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services of Zimbabwe, said at a media briefing after the cabinet meeting in Harare that Chinese enterprises have invested more than $1 billion in Zimbabwe's cement industry in the past year. This has greatly increased the country's cement production capacity. Earlier in February, Huaxin Zimbabwe's cement grinding station project with an annual output of 300,000 tons was officially put into operation, while Huizi International (affiliated to Western Cement Co., Ltd.) built a US $1 billion cement plant in Magonje, Hulungwe, and the construction project was completed in June 2025.
Musweree pointed out that the substantial increase in Chinese investment is in line with the Zimbabwean government's efforts to revitalize the manufacturing industry and accelerate the industrialization process. China's investment in Zimbabwe's cement industry has not only brought capital, but also introduced advanced technology and management experience, which has helped Zimbabwe improve the efficiency and quality of cement production. The implementation of these investment projects has created a large number of local employment opportunities, promoted the development of relevant industrial chains, and played a positive role in promoting the diversified development of Zimbabwe's economy. Cement projects in
Zimbabwe are an important area for Chinese investment. In recent years, a number of cement production projects involving Chinese enterprises have taken root in Zimbabwe. These projects have not only increased Zimbabwe's cement production, but also improved the skills of local workers through technology transfer and training, and enhanced the independent development capacity of Zimbabwe's cement industry.
Muswere also mentioned that Zimbabwe's industrial reconstruction and growth plan has laid a solid foundation for the country's industrialization agenda. The plan is a transitional framework linking the expired National Industrial Development Policy and the upcoming new policy, which aims to promote sustainable economic development in Zimbabwe. Driven by this plan, Zimbabwe's manufacturing sector will account for about 15.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, making it the largest contributor to the economy. The
2025 interim budget report also showed that manufacturing outperformed agriculture and mining, the traditional main drivers of GDP, reflecting the growing role of manufacturing in Zimbabwe's economic growth. Chinese investment has played a key role in this, providing a strong impetus for the rise of Zimbabwe's manufacturing industry. With the promotion of more Chinese investment projects, Zimbabwe's cement industry and manufacturing industry are expected to maintain a good momentum of development and make greater contributions to the prosperity of the national economy.