Belinda Chiroodza
Shuntai Investments (Pvt) has signed a major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreement with China’s CBMI Construction Co, Ltd for the development of a new 6 000-tonne-per-day clinker production line in Zvishavane, strengthening its position in Zimbabwe’s rapidly growing cement industry.
The agreement was signed in Beijing by Shuntai chairperson Xing Mingchang and CBMI managing director Zhang Sicai, marking the first collaboration between the two companies. The project is expected to significantly increase local clinker production and support growing demand for cement driven by infrastructure development, housing projects and mining investments across Zimbabwe.
CBMI, a subsidiary of Sinoma International Engineering and part of the China National Building Material Group, is a globally recognised contractor specialising in cement plant construction. The company said the Zvishavane project would enhance clinker and cement supply in Zimbabwe while supporting the country’s industrialisation agenda.
“This collaboration fully reflects CBMI Construction’s technical expertise and professional advantages in the cement engineering sector opening new avenues for the regional company to serve the Zimbabwean and surrounding market ,”
“Upon completion , the project will effectively boost local clinker and cement supply capacity , providing solid support for Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development and industrial growth,” CBMI said in a statement .
Clinker is a key raw material used in cement manufacturing.
The latest investment comes as Shuntai nears completion of its US$120 million cement manufacturing plant in Chegutu, a project that has already created approximately 450 jobs and is expected to produce nearly 800 000 tonnes of cement annually once commissioned in August.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo recently said the Chegutu facility was about 90% complete and was already transforming livelihoods through employment creation and skills development.
She noted that the company had been encouraged to increase the number of local technicians working alongside Chinese specialists on the project.
Beyond cement production, the Chegutu plant is expected to contribute to Zimbabwe’s energy security through a planned 50-megawatt thermal power facility. Excess electricity generated by the plant could eventually be supplied to the national grid, helping ease power shortages affecting industry.
The commissioning of the Chegutu plant was initially scheduled for May but was delayed due to disruptions in equipment deliveries linked to the conflict between Iran and Israel war.
Shuntai’s latest Zvishavane investment follows the launch of an 1 800-tonne-per-day clinker production line in 2024 as part of the company\'s long-term growth strategy. Combined with existing and planned facilities, the investments are expected to increase the company\'s total cement production capacity to more than three million tonnes annually, placing it among Zimbabwe’s leading cement producers.
The expansion highlights growing foreign investment in Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector and reflects confidence in the country’s long-term infrastructure and construction prospects. Industry analysts say increased local clinker production could help reduce supply constraints, improve cement availability and support economic growth through industrial development and job creation.
