Reshaping the pattern of the cement industry in Zimbabwe, this Chinese enterprise is committed to becoming the leading force in the construction industry in Zimbabwe!

Emerging cement manufacturer Shuntai Investments is aiming to become a dominant force in Zimbabwe's construction industry with ambitious plans to capture 40% of the national cement market by the end of 2027. Once fully operational, Shuntai's aggressive expansion strategy across the country will bring total annual cement production to more than 3 million tonnes, cementing its position as Zimbabwe's largest cement manufacturer,

according to Lee Xiandong, the company's managing director, during a site visit and interview at its flagship plant in Chegutu.

Core growth point: The core of the current progress of Qigutu Cement

Plant is Qigutu Cement Plant, which has completed 65% of its construction. Lee Xiandong pointed out that the installation of mechanical equipment has been completed by 50% and is expected to be commissioned by the end of June this year. The plant produces 1,500 to 1,800 tons of clinker per day and has a cement production line with an annual output of 800,000 tons.

In addition to cement, the Chegutu plant is equipped with a limestone production line with an annual output of 400,000 tons. To achieve energy self-sufficiency, the company also plans to build a thermal power plant immediately after the cement production line is put into operation.

National layout

Shuntai has formulated a comprehensive national promotion plan outside Chegutu:

Zvishavane/Belingwe: build a cement clinker production line with a daily output of 6,000 tons, a limestone production line with an annual output of 200,000 tons, A cement grinding station with an annual output of 500,000 tons and a power station.

Bulawayo and Mutare (Bulawayo and Mutare): Each will have a cement production line with an annual capacity of 500,000 tons.

Harare: Construction of a cement production line with an annual output of 1 million tons.

By the end of 2027, the company expects total cement production to exceed 3 million tons and lime production to reach 600000 tons.

Investment and Employment

Up to now, Shuntai has invested 80 million US dollars in the Qiegutu project, and the total investment is expected to reach 120 million US dollars after the completion of the current phase. The company currently employs more than 300 employees, mainly engaged in civil work, and plans to retain and train these personnel to professional and technical positions. After all the projects are put into operation, Shuntai is expected to create more than 1000 jobs for the local people.

Challenges and appeals

Despite the positive developments, Lee Xiandong pointed out that key challenges still need to be addressed by stakeholders: delays in the approval of the limestone mining license by the Bureau of Mines have hindered progress; negotiations with local farmers for the construction of an 88kV transmission line are only half completed, threatening the power supply of the plant.

He also singled out some of the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Certificate (EIA), such as the salt and nitrate trading standards, as "higher than international standards" and almost impossible to achieve. Lee Xiandong said that the requirement for a continuous online monitoring system was not standard even in more industrialized countries such as South Africa, and called on the government to intervene to adjust the indicators to a practical level.

Social responsibility and market commitment

Shuntai has maintained a good relationship with the local government and actively fulfilled its corporate social responsibility, including donating seats to regional development coordinators, providing front-end loaders to municipalities for waste disposal, and supporting local councilors'projects.

Regarding the marketing strategy, Lee Xiandong confirmed that all raw materials, including limestone and coal from nearby mines, will be sourced locally. He assured that although the final price depends on market dynamics, the entry of Shuntai will ensure that the price is lower than current market level. "One thing is very clear," he stressed, "the price must be lower than current market price.

Adhering to the principle of "local priority re-export", Shuntai Investment is reshaping the pattern of Zimbabwe's cement industry by introducing competition, lowering prices and upgrading industrial capacity.