“145,000 Tonnes Of Cement Licences Issued To Address Shortages”

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced measures to alleviate cement shortages and stabilise recent price increases by increasing the issuance of import licences.

Cement prices have risen to around US$20 for a 50-kilogramme bag, up from approximately US$12 in August.

In a statement issued on Monday, 24 November, the Ministry said it has issued a total of 145,000 tonnes of import licences since the beginning of October 2025. It said:

“The measure is starting to bear fruit, and we are advised by a number of players who are importing that the product has started arriving.

“We wish to advise also that ZIMRA is carrying out a loss control program of following up on cement importers who did not pay surtax, and hence the clearance of trucks at Chirundu is still quite slow.”

The Ministry said that Sino-Zimbabwe has resumed production, with industry players beginning to procure its cement, while PPC Zimbabwe confirmed that their previously broken-down Bulawayo plant has been repaired and is now operational. Reads the statement:

“The cement industry has advised Gthe overnment that they have not increased their prices and that the public should avoid panic buying, which may result in serious losses on their part.

“Stakeholders are being advised that one would require an Import license to import cement into the country.

“In line with the Ease of Doing Business, import licenses will be issued out in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo and Gweru Offices.

“To expedite the processing of the permits, the Minister of Industry and Commerce has waived the requirement for a CBCA certificate for the period up to 20 December 2025.”

The Ministry said the following documents remain required when applying for cement import licences: an application letter, proforma invoice, current ZIMRA tax clearance, current Standard Development Fund receipt, CR14, certificate of incorporation (CR6), and payment of the US$100 licence fee in ZIG equivalent.

The Ministry assured the public that Zimbabwe’s medium- to long-term cement strategy is expected to achieve a production surplus before the end of 2026, with major investments set to boost output.

Another significant investment is anticipated to commence production towards the end of 2026 and into 2027.

Meanwhile, the Ministry warned traders against charging exorbitant or unreasonable prices for cement, and stressed that such practices will not be tolerated. Businesses are urged to adhere to sound ethics and fair trading principles.

Related:

Entrepreneur warns businesses to check ZIMRA accounts for unexplained tax debts due to system flaw Drivers Who Got Class 2 Licences Before 2023 Law Change Can Still Drive Class 4 And 5 Vehicles, VID Says