Portland Cement Malawi Limited is a leading cement manufacturer in Malawi, providing high-quality and innovative building solutions that support the country’s infrastructure and construction development. Established in 1956, the company has played a significant role in shaping Malawi’s construction industry and continues to contribute to national development through reliable and durable cement products.

The company currently operates three cement plants located in Makata, Lunzu, and Balaka, enabling efficient production and distribution across the country. With a combined annual production capacity of approximately 1.1 million tons of cement, Portland Cement Malawi Limited is well positioned to meet the growing demand for cement in Malawi’s residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.

Driven by a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, the company continues to invest in modern production technologies, operational efficiency, and responsible environmental practices. Portland Cement Malawi Limited works closely with customers, distributors, and communities to deliver products that meet the highest standards while contributing to Malawi’s long-term economic growth.

Portland Cement Limited began operations in Malawi in 1956, establishing its first cement plant in Blantyre with a nominal production capacity of 15 tons per hour, producing Ordinary Portland Cement using clinker imported from Zimbabwe.

As demand for cement increased, the company began exploring local limestone deposits in 1960–1961, leading to the development of a clinker production facility at Changalume in Zomba, approximately 100 km north-northeast of Blantyre. The operation included a limestone quarry, raw mill, and kiln with a capacity of 220 tons per day. To support clinker transportation, a 25 km railway line was constructed from Changalume to connect with the Blantyre–Balaka–Nacala/Lilongwe railway line at Namatunu, enabling efficient movement of clinker to the Blantyre grinding plant.

Further expansion took place during the 1970s and 1980s, including the installation of a 350 tons per day kiln at Changalume and the commissioning of a second cement grinding mill in Blantyre in 1980, with a capacity of 25 tons per hour, which continues to operate today.

In 1996–1997, the company, which had been fully owned by the Government of Malawi through the Malawi Development Corporation (MDC), was privatized. Ownership transferred to Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) through its subsidiary Pan-African Cement Company Ltd (PAC) and MDC, holding 76% and 24% shares respectively. PAC also held interests in similar cement operations in Tanzania and Zambia.

In 2002, CDC sold its interest in PAC to Lafarge, after which MDC also sold its 24% shareholding, making Lafarge the sole owner. Following the Lafarge–Holcim merger between Lafarge and Holcim, the company became part of LafargeHolcim.

As part of its expansion strategy, in March 2021 the company acquired a third cement grinding plant in Lunzu, Blantyre, previously operating as Kulimba Cement, strengthening production capacity and supply capability.

In 2022, Huaxin Cement acquired Lafarge’s stake in the business, and the company reverted to its original name, Portland Cement Limited. Huaxin Cement is among the world’s leading cement manufacturers with an annual production capacity exceeding 115 million tons and operations in 14 countries outside China.

In 2025, Huaxin further expanded its investment in Malawi by establishing a new integrated cement plant in Balaka with an annual production capacity of 800,000 tons. With this development, Portland Cement Limited now operates three plants located in Makata, Lunzu, and Balaka, bringing the company’s total annual production capacity to approximately 1.1 million tons of cement, supporting Malawi’s growing construction and infrastructure sector.

Our mission is to offer trusted building materials and solutions that are environmentally sustainable.

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Tried and trusted to build for generations