Africa’s cement industry is undergoing rapid expansion driven by urbanization and infrastructure development across the continent. Sixteen African nations are currently constructing new cement plants, with African projects representing 42% of all cement production capacity being built globally, according to data from the Global Energy Monitor.
The continent currently operates approximately 441 million metric tons of annual cement production capacity, representing 8% of the global total. With 43.3 million tons under construction and an additional 23 million tons in announced plans, African cement capacity is projected to reach over 507 million tons annually, or 15% of the world total. Nigeria leads the expansion pipeline with 10 million tons of capacity under construction, ranking second globally only to India. Major producers including Dangote Cement Plc and BUA Cement are executing billion-dollar expansion strategies through 2030 to strengthen their market positions and increase continental capacity.
Regional projects span multiple countries with varying scales and technologies. In Cameroon, Taiwan Cement Corporation recently completed a 1.2-million-ton facility utilizing emissions-reducing materials, while Heidelberg Materials is constructing a major flash calciner facility in Ghana. Kenya is pursuing clinker self-sufficiency through significant consolidation and expansion efforts, with investments exceeding $700 million across multiple projects. Additional major construction roadmaps are underway in Libya, Angola, Uganda, Mali and Mozambique.
The cement expansion carries implications for continental energy consumption. Cement production typically marks an early stage in industrialization cycles, preceding increased demand for energy-intensive industries including steel, chemicals and manufacturing. The International Energy Association projects African electricity demand to rise 10.1% between 2025 and 2027, reaching 880 TWh, driven by industrial activity and data center expansion. This growing demand presents both challenges and opportunities, as cement manufacturers require substantial reliable power supplies and increasingly develop their own generation capacity. Some producers have already installed solar installations to reduce grid dependence and improve operational competitiveness.
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