Cheetah Cement is planning to establish a new manufacturing plant in Gaborone with an annual production capacity of 800,000 tonnes. This expansion aims to boost domestic cement production and reduce reliance on imports. The company's growth plans were highlighted during a familiarisation visit to its existing production facility in Matsiloje by Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) chief executive Keletsositse Olebile and his management team.
The BITC delegation was received by Cheetah Cement's newly appointed chief executive, Wang, who briefed them on the company's operational performance, growth prospects, and investment challenges. Since commencing operations in 2021, Cheetah Cement has faced initial operational and market difficulties, although management reported improved performance in 2026. The company currently employs 41 Batswana and supports community development through its corporate social responsibility programmes.
The proposed Gaborone plant would significantly expand Cheetah Cement's manufacturing footprint, creating potential employment opportunities and increasing the local supply of cement used in housing, commercial developments, and infrastructure projects. BITC emphasised the importance of strengthening domestic value chains, including sourcing raw materials locally where feasible, in developing Botswana's manufacturing sector.
Olebile reaffirmed the agency's commitment to helping Cheetah Cement address outstanding regulatory and infrastructure challenges that could affect its expansion plans. The engagement also highlighted the importance of investment aftercare in helping established businesses resolve operational constraints and unlock further investment. This support is crucial for Cheetah Cement's growth and success.
The proposed plant aligns with the Botswana government's efforts to diversify the economy beyond diamonds, expand industrial capacity, and create private-sector employment. Additional domestic cement production could improve supply reliability and provide competition against imported products. This development could have a positive impact on the local economy.
However, the investment's eventual impact will depend on implementation, production costs, and the competitiveness of locally manufactured cement. The visit concluded with a tour of the Matsiloje facility, giving the BITC delegation an opportunity to assess Cheetah Cement's manufacturing operations. This assessment will help inform future investment decisions.
The new plant is expected to have a significant impact on Botswana's cement industry, and the government is likely to monitor its progress closely. Cheetah Cement's expansion plans demonstrate the company's commitment to growth and development in Botswana. The project's success will be closely watched by stakeholders.
Key points
- Cheetah Cement plans to establish an 800,000-tonne Gaborone plant to boost domestic cement production.
- The proposed plant aims to reduce reliance on imports and create employment opportunities.
- The investment aligns with Botswana's efforts to diversify its economy and expand industrial capacity.
