Harare, (New Ziana) — The drive by Zimbabwe towards industrial self-sufficiency has received a major boost as the US$120 million cement manufacturing project by Shuntai Investments in Chegutu, Mashonaland West province, edges closer to full operation, the government has said.
In a post on its National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) X handle, the government said the project, which has overcome early legal and logistical hurdles, is now in advanced stages of construction, with critical equipment installation nearing completion.
Authorities say the plant is well beyond the halfway mark, pushing toward more than 80 percent completion, with commissioning targeted for mid-June this year after a brief testing phase.
“This is a massive win for Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape. The Shuntai Investments project in Chegutu is a centerpiece of the country’s drive toward self-sufficiency in construction materials. As of early 2026, the project has moved past its major hurdles—including the resolution of legal disputes with nearby stakeholders—and is charging toward full operational status,” it said.
Once operational, the facility is expected to significantly reshape the country’s construction materials industry by closing supply gaps and reducing reliance on imports.
The Shuntai plant is designed as a fully integrated operation, incorporating a clinker processing unit and a high-capacity crushing system. At full capacity, it will produce up to 800 000 metric tons of cement annually, an output expected to ease persistent shortages in the domestic market.
Economists and industry players say the project represents a strategic milestone for Zimbabwe, particularly in its push for import substitution and value addition.
The government said the plant is also poised to deliver significant employment benefits as about 300 workers are currently engaged during the construction phase, while projections suggest up to 4 000 jobs could be created across the value chain once operations begin, including direct plant employment, logistics, distribution, and downstream construction activities.
Beyond job creation, the project is expected to stabilize cement prices by reducing production costs through the use of locally sourced raw materials and modern manufacturing technologies, the government said, adding that reduced dependence on imports is also anticipated to ease pressure on foreign currency reserves.
Industry analysts note that consistent local supply could improve infrastructure development timelines and lower construction costs across both public and private sectors.
In a notable shift toward sustainable manufacturing, the Shuntai facility is embracing green technology by phasing out diesel-powered machinery in favour of electric vehicles and supercharged trucks within the plant, a move expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and set a new environmental benchmark for heavy industry in the region.
The Chegutu project forms part of a broader industrial expansion strategy, alongside developments such as the WhiZim plant in Magunje, Mashonaland West.
Together, these investments position Zimbabwe not only to meet domestic cement demand, but also to potentially export surplus production to regional markets before the end of the year.
New Ziana
