Ghana has reaffirmed its ambition to become a leading cement production and industrial investment hub in Africa as the INTERCEM Africa Conference 2026, opened in Accra on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Speaking at the two‑day event, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu‑Adjare, said Africa’s cement market is forecast to reach US$11.7 billion by 2029, driven by urbanisation, population growth and rising infrastructure investment.

In a statement issued by the Public Relations and Communications Update of the Ministry, the conference has drawn more than 100 companies from 37 countries, including producers, traders, financiers, logistics firms and sustainability experts.

Hon. Ofosu‑Adjare said Ghana home to 15 major cement producers and an installed capacity exceeding 10 million metric tonnes a year and is well positioned to benefit from that growth.

She warned, however, that the sector faces a structural vulnerability in its heavy reliance on imported clinker and called on industry and financiers at the conference to develop practical solutions to diversify supply and strengthen regional production.

The minister highlighted Ghana’s early adoption of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) technology, noting President Mahama’s inauguration of West Africa’s first LC3 calcined clay facility earlier this year.

She said LC3 reduces clinker use and carbon emissions while using locally available clay, offering a greener, lower‑cost pathway for cement producers across the continent.

Mrs. Ofosu‑Adjare also stressed the need for innovative financing to unlock large‑scale industrial and infrastructure projects.

She said the government is engaging development finance institutions and implementing reforms under the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Act, 2026, to improve the investment climate and competitiveness of local manufacturers through energy, trade and regulatory measures.

Urging delegates to convert discussion into deals, the minister called for concrete partnerships and investment commitments that would help transform Ghana and the region from raw‑material exporters into value‑adding industrial economies.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Continental Blue Investment (CBI) Ghana Ltd and president of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COCMAG), Frederic Albrecht, described Ghana’s hosting of INTERCEM Africa 2026 as recognition of the country’s growing role in the continent’s cement value chain and a timely platform to address clinker supply, sustainability and financing challenges.