Zambian cement output rises 8% in Q1 2026

Producer figures show steady growth, driven by housing and the public works pipeline. Here's what the numbers mean for project pricing.

First-quarter cement output is up 8% year-on-year, according to producer-reported figures aggregated this month. The increase tracks with stronger residential demand and the second wave of public works contracts awarded in late 2025.

For project owners, the practical signal is that supply pressure on bagged cement has eased compared to mid-2025. Bulk pricing remains tight in Lusaka and the Copperbelt, but lead times have shortened.