Malawi Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha thinks cement costs should chill out after a $100 million Portland facility opened up in Balaka District with the capacity to pump out 800,000 tonnes annually. The state-of-the-art setup cuts down reliance on imported clinker, and it backs the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, plus Malawi 2063 industrialization targets. Chinese Ambassador Lu Xu said her government will keep funding development work in the country for mutual gains.
Mwanamvekha told the company to keep supply steady, follow regulations, work with local communities, and treat employees right before thinking about exports. Portland Cement Malawi Limited CEO Jianguo Alex Liu promised to help the surrounding areas through corporate social responsibility programs. The government expects to pull in about MK35 billion per year from taxes and another MK1 billion from mining royalties.
Board chair Symon Msefula noted the plant fits into long-term plans for expanding production while creating jobs and building community ties. Construction wrapped up in 11 months after breaking ground last year.
Mwanamvekha told the company to keep supply steady, follow regulations, work with local communities, and treat employees right before thinking about exports. Portland Cement Malawi Limited CEO Jianguo Alex Liu promised to help the surrounding areas through corporate social responsibility programs. The government expects to pull in about MK35 billion per year from taxes and another MK1 billion from mining royalties.
Board chair Symon Msefula noted the plant fits into long-term plans for expanding production while creating jobs and building community ties. Construction wrapped up in 11 months after breaking ground last year.
