Reliance on imported cement dropped to 34.1%, use of domestic coal surged to 65.85% since 2020

Addis Ababa, January 29, 2025 (FMC) – Reliance on imported coal dropped from 100% to 34.15%, while the use of domestic coal surged from 0% to 65.85% since 2020 owing to government interventions in promoting local coal utilization, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.

The latest data from the PM Office was disclosed this progress in the sector following the recent inauguration of coal processing plant in Dawuro zone of Southwest Ethiopia People’s Regional State.

Since 2014, Ethiopia’s cement industry relied entirely on imported coal to meet its energy needs, a data published on its social media pages by the PMO noted this morning. However, starting in 2020, a significant shift occurred due to government interventions promoting local coal utilization.

As a result, reliance on imported coal dropped from 100% to 34.15%, while the use of domestic coal surged from 0% to 65.85%, the PM Office data shows.

It was mentioned that this transformation underscores the effectiveness of policies prioritizing local resource utilization over imports, strengthening energy security and reducing foreign dependency.

A key player in this transition is the recently inaugurated ET Minerals PLC coal processing plant, located in Klele, Dawuro Zone, near Tarcha in Southwest Ethiopia People’s Region.

The facility has a processing capacity of 150 tons of coal per hour, contributing significantly to the growing use of domestic coal in the country.