LILONGWE (Shire Times) – Relief is beginning to spread among Malawi’s construction sector as the first trucks carrying imported cement from Zambia arrived in the country this week, following a government deal aimed at easing severe shortages and runaway prices.
The development comes days after Trade Minister Vitumbiko Mumba announced on Friday that Malawi had struck a supply agreement with Zambia to boost local availability of cement and stabilise the market. The deal is expected to ease pressure on households and businesses after prices in some areas spiked to as high as 50,000 kwacha per 50-kilogram bag due to scarcity.
The first consignment was delivered to Randera shop at Bwalo la Njovu, where visibly relieved buyers quickly gathered. “We are happy that cement is now available again. People have been suffering, and prices were out of reach for many. This will help us,” said Abdul Chunar, the shop’s manager.
For months, Malawi has faced an acute cement shortage triggered by limited local production and supply bottlenecks. Builders and homeowners were left stranded as construction projects stalled and costs escalated, prompting rising public frustration.
Minister Mumba has positioned the Zambia deal as a short-term measure while the government works to increase domestic manufacturing capacity. “The priority is to protect consumers and keep the construction industry moving. Imports will help stabilise prices while we pursue lasting solutions,” he said during the announcement.
Analysts say the arrival of imported cement could calm market speculation and restore confidence in the sector. However, they warn that without stronger local production, Malawi risks repeated shortages in the future.
For now, though, the sight of cement bags crossing the border has sparked optimism. As one trader at Bwalo la Njovu put it: “This is the lifeline we have been waiting for.”
