Chilanga Cement Unveils Bold Expansion Into Broader Construction Sector
Chilanga Cement Plc has reaffirmed its position as a leading player in Zambia’s construction materials industry, outlining ambitious plans for expansion, diversification, and sustainability during its first-ever Shareholders’ Day held at the Chilanga Golf Course.
The event, convened under majority shareholder Huaxin Building Materials Group, brought together company executives, regulators, financial institutions, and investors, offering a platform to enhance transparency and strengthen shareholder confidence.
Board Chairman Mr Muna Hantuba reflected on the company’s long-standing heritage, linking its origins to early quarry operations that supplied raw materials for major infrastructure projects, including the Kariba Dam.
“That history is very important because there is no one who can take that pride to speak about cement in Zambia other than Chilanga,” Mr Hantuba said. “We remain very strong despite increased competition in the market.”
He further emphasised the company’s commitment to environmental rehabilitation, noting that the Chilanga Golf Course, once a quarry site, now stands as a restored ecosystem and a symbol of the company’s land restoration efforts.
According to Mr Hantuba, ongoing operational improvements under Chief Executive Officer Mr Sheng Jianhua are focused on boosting productivity, encouraging innovation, and expanding the company’s market reach.
He added that management is actively exploring opportunities beyond traditional cement production, including aggregates and other construction-related materials, in response to growing demand driven by Zambia’s mining and infrastructure sectors.
“We are not merely a producer of cement; we are a construction company,” he said, urging shareholders to continue supporting the company’s flagship product, Mphamvu Cement, which he described as reliable, durable, and of high quality.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring consistent product availability in the market. “No one should wait two days for the product. It must always be available where it is needed,” he added.
The Shareholders’ Day featured presentations from senior management and industry stakeholders aimed at reinforcing transparency and improving investor relations.
Health, Safety and Environment Manager Patson Banda highlighted the company’s commitment to maintaining strict safety standards and environmental responsibility as key pillars of operational excellence.
Deputy Plant Manager Jonas Kaonga provided an update on operational performance, outlining continuous improvement initiatives designed to enhance efficiency and production output.
Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager Gift Danga reiterated the company’s focus on transparency and stakeholder engagement. He also outlined Chilanga Cement’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework, which prioritises five key areas: education, health, employment, environmental protection, and infrastructure development. He noted that the company continues to make meaningful contributions across these sectors.
Regulatory representatives also addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of corporate governance and compliance in strengthening Zambia’s capital markets.
Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) representative Ms Sherry Maponga highlighted the need for transparency to enhance investor confidence and support market development.
Her remarks were echoed by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) representative Ms Mubanga Kandolo, who stressed the importance of accountability within an evolving regulatory environment.
CorpServe representative Mr Setfree Nhapi highlighted the critical role of effective share registry management and strong corporate governance frameworks in protecting shareholder value.
In his closing remarks, Chief Executive Officer Mr Sheng Jianhua expressed gratitude to shareholders for their continued support and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to long-term, sustainable growth.
“Your engagement, insights, and continued support are what drive our business forward,” he said. “We remain focused, optimistic, and committed to building a stronger future together with you and our majority shareholders, Huaxin Building Materials Group.”
The event concluded with a guided tour of the Chilanga plant and quarry, giving shareholders firsthand insight into operations and reinforcing confidence in the company’s strategic direction.
Participants also took part in wellness screenings facilitated by partner health institutions, alongside exhibitions from financial institutions including Zanaco and Stanbic Bank. A raffle-style “spin the wheel” activity added a lighter element to the day, with attendees winning prizes such as Bluetooth speakers, branded merchandise, and other giveaways.
The inaugural Shareholders’ Day, held two days after the company’s Annual General Meeting, marks a significant milestone in Chilanga Cement’s efforts to deepen investor engagement while showcasing its operational capacity and long-term contribution to Zambia’s infrastructure development.
