
Africa’s construction sector is growing rapidly, with projects becoming more complex. Cement imports play a critical role in supporting this development, especially in fast-urbanizing regions where the demand for infrastructure is soaring. The demand for cement is an essential indicator of the construction industry’s trajectory in Africa. Some African countries have ramped up local cement production, while others are also importing to meet their needs.
One of our clients in the construction sector sought to map the industry’s dynamics across various African countries. While cement production was a key area of interest, we also uncovered insights into the import patterns of different countries.
We found that four African countries—Ghana, Burkina Faso, South Africa, and Mozambique—are in the top 15 global cement importers by volume. Ghana imported 5.39 million metric tonnes of cement in 2023, making it the highest importer on the continent. Burkina Faso followed closely, importing 2.69 million metric tonnes, while South Africa and Mozambique imported 1.34 million metric tonnes and 1.02 million metric tonnes, respectively. These figures reflect not only the rapid growth in construction but also the local demand for cement in countries where production capacity is either insufficient or unable to meet the current surge in development.
The information provided was essential in helping our client refine their strategy for market entry and country prioritisation. Charting the construction industry in these key markets, including identifying major players and understanding cement production and import dependencies, provided our client with a clear picture of opportunities and challenges in the region.
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