Pakistan: The Economic Survey 2023-24, unveiled by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, reported that the capacity utilisation of Pakistan's cement industry fell to 54.6% in the first nine months of the 2024 financial year (July 2023 – April 2024), the lowest level recorded since data collection began in 2006. Despite an overall production capacity of 82.3Mt, the industry managed only 37.5Mt/yr in local dispatches and exports during the period.
Dalmia Cement to acquire stake in Amplus Kaveri Solar
India: Dalmia Cement (Bharat) will acquire a 19.2% stake in Amplus Kaveri Solar for US$1.94m. This transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to complete within eight to nine weeks.
Dalmia Cement partners with BluPine Energy to build solar plant in Karnataka
India: Dalmia Cement (Bharat) has signed a power purchase agreement with BluPine Energy to establish a 47MW solar power plant in Karnataka. The plant will generate approximately 94 million kWh of electricity annually and reduce over 85,000t/yr of CO₂ emissions.
CEO of BluPine Energy, Neerav Nanavaty, said "The solar plant in Karnataka will not only produce clean energy but also foster local economic growth and support environmental sustainability. This project will help reduce operating costs and improve energy efficiency."
Kenyan government to sell stake in East African Portland Cement Company
Kenya: The government has decided to sell its entire 25% stake in East African Portland Cement Company, as part of a strategic reform of its investments, guided by the International Monetary Fund. The Star newspaper has reported that the government expects to earn US$134m from the sale. It reportedly sold 30% of shares in the producer for US$117m in 2023.
Of East African Portland Cement Company’s multiple minority shareholders, the largest is Lafarge South Africa, with 42% of shares, followed by the Kenyan National Social Security Fund, with 27%.


