In Benin, ongoing power shortages brought 75% of cement plants in the country to a standstill earlier this month, according to reports. The country consumes some 160 MW of electricity, but currently has a shortfall of approximately 60 MW. Supplies from neighbouring Nigeria have been reduced and from the Ivory Coast stopped altogether. The government is planning to acquire alternative supplies, but has not said when or from where.
Meanwhile, the power shortage has caused cement supply shortages and price hikes, hampering the development of the construction industry. Benoit van Castler, a director of CimBenin, told Bloomberg: ‘Energy provided by the Beninese Society for Electricity Energy is insufficient to operate the factories all day. In addition, consumers’ demands are climbing.’ To alleviate the problem, cement will be imported from Togolese companies CimTogo and Fortia, according to Benin’s Trade Minister, Christine Ouinsavi.
Power shortages have previously been a problem for the cement industry in Ethiopia, seriously impeding its development.