Cement import restrictions kick in

Through a statutory instrument, government will from August 1 restrict the importation of 50 kilogramme pre-packaged cement, as a way of boosting local production and the associated value chain.

The country ‘consumes’ about 650,000 tonnes of cement annually, of which 450,000 tonnes is supplied by Namibian and South African producers into the country in 50 kilogramme packets directly into retail. The country’s three producers, meanwhile, could potentially meet demand, especially after planned expansion works, but distribution is hampered by logistics, particularly rail.