Cement
Cement is a binding material used in construction to bond aggregates such as sand and gravel into concrete, and is a fundamental component of the global building and infrastructure industries. It is produced by heating limestone and clay or other silica-bearing materials in a kiln at temperatures exceeding 1 400 °C, forming clinker, which is then ground with gypsum to create the fine powder known as cement. The most common type is Portland cement, which accounts for the majority of global production and is used in applications ranging from residential buildings to large-scale infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams and ports. Cement manufacturing is energy-intensive and relies heavily on coal, electricity and alternative fuels, making it sensitive to energy costs and supply constraints. The industry is also a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions, both from the combustion of fuels and the chemical process of calcining limestone, prompting growing investment in lower-carbon technologies and alternative binders. Major cement producers operate integrated plants that combine quarrying, clinker production and grinding, often located near limestone deposits to minimise transport costs. In Africa, cement demand is driven by urbanisation, population growth and infrastructure development, with South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya among the largest markets. The sector is characterised by high capital intensity, economies of scale and regional market structures, with multinational groups and domestic players competing alongside state-owned enterprises in some countries. Cement prices are influenced by raw material availability, energy costs, transport logistics, import competition and construction activity cycles. The industry faces ongoing challenges including energy security, environmental regulation, capacity utilisation and the need to balance growth with sustainability objectives.
Cement Updates
Dangote and Musk: Africa needs both industrialists and tech innovators
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 1st October 2026 The two entrepreneurs represent distinct forms of business leadership, and governments must create the conditions for both to thrive. Africa’s... →
South African exporters: Take note!
21st August 2026 The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has shifted from paperwork to payment in 2026 and South African exporters of steel, aluminium, cement... →
EU to strengthen carbon levy on high-emission imports
By: Reuters 17th December 2025 The European Union will expand its carbon border levy - a fee charged on imports of high-emission goods - to cover car parts and washing machines,... →
Angolan President urges US firms to invest beyond oil, minerals
By: Bloomberg 23rd June 2025 Angolan President Joao Lourenco called on US companies to expand their investments in Africa beyond traditional oil and mineral extraction to... →
From 250 000 homes to fuzzy job numbers: Kenyan president’s claims under scrutiny
By: Africa Check 16th April 2025 As he begins the second half of his first term, Kenyan president William Ruto has been highlighting his achievements. One of his key talking points... →
Committee on Trade welcomes investigation into SABS as announced on Tuesday
29th January 2025 The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition has welcomed the investigation into the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) as... →
Understanding the Construction Industry: Building Africa One Brick at a Time
28th October 2024 The African construction industry is a pivotal driver of economic growth, facilitating infrastructure development, job creation, and overall... →
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