Strategies for Sustainable Cement Production in Developing Countries

Strategies for Sustainable Cement Production in Developing Countries
1 Introduction
Developing countries face a profound dual challenge in cement production. On one hand, they must build the infrastructure—housing, roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools—necessary to support growing populations and economic development. On the other, they must do so while mitigating the environmental impact of cement production, a sector responsible for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions. With 75% of the infrastructure that will exist in 2050 yet to be built, and the equivalent of one New York City constructed every month until 2060, the decisions made today will shape emissions trajectories for decades to come .
Africa alone will need an estimated 18 billion tonnes of cement over the next 30 years, with an additional 880 million people expected to live in its cities by 2050 . Following a business-as-usual pathway could generate an additional 13 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. Yet this challenge also presents an opportunity: by adopting sustainable production strategies, developing countries can build cleaner, more competitive, and more resilient cement industries while creating local jobs and reducing dependence on imported materials.
This report examines strategies for sustainable cement production in developing countries, focusing on approaches that are technically feasible, economically viable, and tailored to local conditions. The analysis draws on recent research and initiatives, particularly from Africa, where the cement decarbonization dialogue has gained significant momentum.
2 The Context: Why Developing Countries Matter
2.1 Growth in Demand
Cement demand in developing countries is growing rapidly. Ethiopia, the second most populous nation in Africa with approximately 126.5 million people, is striving to reach lower-middle-income status through its ten-year economic development plan (2021–2030), which includes the construction of 4.4 million housing units and 102,000 km of roads . The Ethiopian cement industry has an annual production capacity exceeding 19 million tonnes, and its energy intensity (fuel and electrical) exceeds targets set by the International Energy Agency's Cement Sustainability Initiative .
Across Africa, the cement industry emits approximately 150–220 MtCO₂ per year, making it the single largest source of manufacturing emissions on the continent . South Africa's heavy manufacturing sector, including cement, emitted 77 MtCO₂e in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with cement representing a significant portion .
2.2 Unique Challenges
Developing countries face distinct challenges in pursuing sustainable cement production:
Limited limestone resources. Many regions have limited high-grade limestone deposits, making clinker production both costly and carbon-intensive . This resource constraint, however, creates an opportunity to leapfrog conventional clinker-dependent production in favor of alternative materials.
Energy intensity and cost. Energy costs in cement production in developing countries range from 50% to 60% of overall operation costs, compared to the global standard of 20–40% . Ethiopia's specific CO₂ emissions range from 915 to 1,224 kg CO₂-eq/t of clinker, significantly exceeding the global average of 843 kg and the EU average of 825 kg .
Limited availability of conventional SCMs. Fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)—the most widely used supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in developed countries—are scarce in many African countries due to the underdevelopment of coal power and steel industries . This necessitates alternative solutions tailored to local resource endowments.
Capital constraints. Access to capital remains a major barrier, particularly in emerging markets where financial systems face structural constraints. The "green premium"—higher upfront costs associated with producing low-carbon cement—further discourages adoption without public support .

    Date: 2026-09-18 00:00:00.000000