Malawi: A Bold Step Forward – Portland Cement’s Balaka Plant Nears Completion, Ushering in a New Era for Malawi’s Industrial Growth

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Malawi is on the brink of a historic economic shift as Portland Cement Malawi Limited’s groundbreaking K200 billion integrated cement plant in Balaka nears completion–marking one of the most transformative industrial developments the country has seen in recent decades.

With commissioning expected before the end of this year, the Balaka plant is more than just a production facility–it’s a symbol of progress, self-reliance, and national ambition.

Cementing the Future of Construction

Once operational, the plant will double Portland Cement’s annual production capacity, currently at 300,000 tonnes. This increase is set to bridge the national supply-demand gap driven by Malawi’s booming residential, commercial, and public infrastructure sectors.

But the impact goes far beyond cement. The plant will locally produce clinker, the core ingredient in cement manufacturing–an innovation that will reduce reliance on imports and save Malawi an estimated USD50 million annually in foreign exchange.

Powering the ATM Strategy

In a statement issued Tuesday, the company emphasized how the facility will support the government’s Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining (ATM) Strategy, acting as a catalyst for industrial diversification, job creation, and economic resilience.

“This is more than a plant–it’s an economic engine,” said Jianguo Liu, CEO of Portland Cement.

“By producing clinker locally, we are enhancing Malawi’s industrial independence and driving sustainable growth. The country is expected to gain approximately K5.5 billion in mining royalties from lime mining alone.”