by Xinhua writers Habtamu Worku, Liu Fangqiang
ADDIS ABABA, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's Chinese-built Lemi National Cement Factory, the largest of its kind in the country with a daily production capacity of 10,000 tonnes, has won acclaim for revolutionizing the East African country's construction sector, catalyzing economic growth, technology transfer, and capacity-building.
As a joint venture between West International Holding, the African arm of West China Cement, and East African Holding Company, the state-of-the-art factory is fast becoming a cornerstone for Ethiopia's industrial transformation drive.
Built by the Chinese construction giant Sinoma Construction in Lemi Township of Amhara region, about 120 km north of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, the factory has delivered over 700,000 tonnes of cement to the market since its launch in September 2024, accounting for more than a third of the country's total cement supply, the company said.
Widely recognized for significantly easing Ethiopia's long-standing cement supply shortage and stabilizing market prices, the factory is boosting the country's broader economic development in general and the construction sector in particular.
It is also enhancing Ethiopia's capacity-building, particularly among its burgeoning youth population.
EMPOWERING ETHIOPIAN YOUTH
As the factory injects momentum into Ethiopia's development, it also brings the latest technical expertise and modern industrial skills in cement production to local youth.
Shewa Negewo is one of over 1,000 Ethiopians employed by the factory.
Working at the plant's control center alongside Chinese experts, Negewo said he and fellow Ethiopian colleagues are mastering latest technologies in "a unique and unmatched establishment that is significantly revitalizing the state of cement production in Ethiopia and across the African continent."
He said that the entire cement production line, beginning with limestone crushing and long-belt conveying, through raw material and fuel entry, and culminating in finished cement packaging and delivery, is entirely new to Ethiopia's cement industry, incorporating safety designs, high-level automation, energy conservation and environment protection.
"Having the opportunity to work here and learn to master the latest technologies and skills in cement production is a tremendous advantage for us as individuals and for our country as a whole," Negewo said. "As we enhance our capabilities while collaborating with Chinese colleagues, we are making a meaningful contribution to our country's development.
Another aspiring Ethiopian working at the Lemi National Cement Factory is Bedilu Ayalew, who previously worked at a different cement facility in the country.
He described the facilities and production processes at Lemi National as "unparalleled" when compared to other similar establishments in Ethiopia.
Walking inside the factory premises, one would find it hard to associate the clean facility with cement production, in contrast to "typical experiences" found in other cement factories, Ayalew said.
Designed with the highest standards of environmental protection, the facility features enclosed storage sheds for raw materials and finished products, as well as 168 high-efficiency dust collectors that ensure clean and eco-friendly production.
"At this facility, you will not see even the slightest trace of smoke at any stage of the cement production process. The factory was constructed with a primary focus on environmental sustainability, and this commitment is effectively integrated into our daily operations," Ayalew said.
According to project manager Ye Fei, the factory's commitment to sustainability extends to its energy-saving practices and intelligent manufacturing processes, which reduce maintenance costs, improve operational efficiency, and minimize environmental impact.
These efforts have earned the factory recognition as a model enterprise for energy conservation, emission reduction, and circular economy development in Ethiopia.
REVITALIZING ETHIOPIA'S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Lemi National represents a leap forward in Ethiopia's industrial capabilities.
Utilizing the world's most advanced second-generation dry process cement production technology, the factory integrates intelligent systems for raw material preparation, clinker calcination, cement grinding, and packaging.
This cutting-edge approach ensures high efficiency, superior product quality, and minimal environmental impact, setting a new standard for cement production in Ethiopia and across Africa, the company said.
Getachew Birhanu, a civil engineer with years of experience in Ethiopia's construction industry, highlighted the transformative role of Lemi National.
The factory's impact extends far beyond its walls, he said, adding that by addressing the chronic cement shortage, Lemi National has revitalized Ethiopia's construction sector, a key driver of economic growth.
"For years, contractors had to wait seven to 10 days to buy cement due to limited supply. After the factory's operation, transport trucks come and leave, fully loaded with cement, on the same day," said Ye, the project manager. "And the cement price has also dropped, from around 15,000 birr (about 115 U.S. dollars) per tonne to 10,000 per tonne."
In addition to boosting cement supply, stabilizing prices and advancing Ethiopia's construction sector, Lemin National also created a ripple effect of job creation and overall economic development, a transformative role recognized by senior Ethiopian government officials.
When inaugurating Lemi National last September, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored the factory's significance for the nation's development ambitions.
He called for similar industrial projects with "unmatched" potential to create jobs, drive economic growth, and foster technological advancement.
"It shows that with hard work, future generations will not inherit poverty but a foundation for growth and prosperity," the prime minister said. "By investing in initiatives like this, we can uplift more people and ensure they live dignified lives." ■
