Ethiopia, UNIDO Target Lower-Carbon Cement Production to Support Green Industrialisation

July 9, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Ethiopia’s cement industry is being positioned for a lower-carbon transition as the government and international partners explore ways to reduce emissions from one of the country’s key manufacturing sectors while maintaining its role in infrastructure development.

The Ministry of Industry and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) are hosting the “Africa Dialogue on Cement for Green Industrialization” in Addis Ababa, bringing together industry leaders, experts and development partners to discuss cleaner production methods, alternative energy sources and technology adoption in cement manufacturing.

Industry Minister Melaku Alebel said Ethiopia is working to balance industrial expansion with environmental responsibility, citing cement production as a sector where green transformation efforts are becoming increasingly important.

He said the use of supplementary cement materials and alternative energy sources by cement producers demonstrates that shifting towards environmentally sustainable production is achievable.

“Cement is a very important material that allows us to turn our dreams into reality,” Melaku said, highlighting the sector’s contribution to development while acknowledging the need for more sustainable production practices.

UNIDO said cement remains a critical foundation for Africa’s infrastructure growth but is also among the industries facing significant climate-related challenges. Stefan Kargbo, Director of the UNIDO Regional Office and representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, said the sector’s emissions footprint requires urgent attention.

Kargbo said that if the global cement industry were considered a country, it would rank as the third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide worldwide.

To address the challenge, UNIDO is supporting countries through technology transfer initiatives, alternative fuel adoption and the development of standards aimed at promoting low-carbon cement production, he said.

Ethiopia, Kargbo added, has become an example in advancing efforts to reduce emissions from high-impact industries. He noted that the country’s approval of the Belém Declaration in 2025 reflected its commitment to reducing emissions from industries with high carbon intensity.

He also highlighted collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and the Ethiopian Cement Producers Association to expand alternative energy use in cement factories.

One example is Habesha Cement S.C., located near Addis Ababa, where trials are being conducted to incorporate supplementary cement materials and alternative energy sources into production processes.

Source: FSX Business News