Savannah Cement looks to Rwanda and Burundi

Kenya’s Savannah Cement is planning to expand its influence in the East African region by appointing dealers in Rwanda and Burundi. Managing Director Ronald Ndegwa confirmed the company’s plans during the East Africa Business Summit in Rwanda, adding that the company has already made inroads in Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan from its base near Nairobi in Kenya where it has an installed capacity of 1.5 million t of cement. Ndegwa also told press that Savannah Cement is considering doubling its cement production capacity in order to meet increasing demand. The company is reportedly investing more than US$300 million in developments at its plant, including a new clinker manufacturing line and a second grinding facility.

Savannah Cement’s products need to receive approval from the Rwanda Standards Board before the company can begin exporting to Rwanda, but this is expected to be completed in the next two to three months. Ndegwa told press: “Ultimately, at the market grows, if it becomes viable to open a grinding station here we will open one”. In recent months, Rwanda has been complaining of a shortage of cement and high prices.

Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui

Sources:

• CNBC Africa
• AllAfrica
• Capital FM

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/africa-middle-east/21102014/savannah-cement-looks-to-rwanda-and-burundi-709/