PPC Africa’s story starts on the outskirts of Pretoria, South Africa over 130 years ago. It was the first cement plant established in South Africa and over the years it has made its mark over Africa.

With bold and large steps befitting its totem animal, the elephant; PPC gradually established a broad footprint across Africa, with production plants in Rwanda, DRC, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia & South Africa.

PPC Africa shared its extensive technical know-how, its diverse product portfolio and its experience in the durables industry to grow each production plant in its respective market.

38 years ago, CIMERWA Plc opened the doors to its production plant in Rwanda. The first cement production in the country, the company started out with a capacity of over 50,000 tonnes per annum. In 2015, PPC acquired a 51% stake in CIMERWA, marking the start of a beautiful collaboration, with PPC lending the full force of its experience to the task of growing the company.

CIMERWA Plc later commissioned the construction of a 600,000 tonnes per annum capacity plant and embraced a new corporate identity – ‘Strengthening Rwanda’, this was the start of a new journey for the company that would lead it to where it is today.

Currently, CIMERWA products – SUREWALL, SUREROAD, SURECEM & SUREBUILD are available everywhere in Rwanda. The company has established itself as one of the biggest in the country; a fact cemented by its recent listing on the Rwanda Stock Exchange by Introduction.

True to its Strengthening Rwanda promise, CIMERWA has been involved in a series of social outreach initiatives that cut across key economic sectors including infrastructure, health, education, trade, sports and more. These initiatives under the CSI banner of “BecauseCIMERWA” were done with the single aim to strengthen the community surrounding CIMERWA’s plant and beyond.

Some of CIMERWA’s notable social projects include a health clinic that was built in tandem with CIMERWA’s plant in 1984, a primary school that is now renowned throughout Rusizi for its stellar graduates. CIMERWA also invested in Bugarama’s trade sector by building a market in the town center where women trade fruits and vegetables and a tailoring workshop from where CIMERWA plant staff PPE uniforms and the aforementioned school’s uniforms are produced. In addition, CIMERWA Plc, in collaboration with local authorities, has built a tarmac road that links three sectors in the Rusizi area.

CIMERWA has also been involved in key construction projects including the Kigali Arena, the new Prime Minister’s Office, the Gasabo District Headquarters and the Bugesera airport that is still under construction. CIMERWA’s track-record of successful projects is impressive but also a testament to the importance of PPC’s expertise and the years of on-the-job trainings it provided to CIMERWA employees.

Rwanda is experiencing an unprecedented boom in the construction sector and the trend shows no signs of stopping soon. To continue being a reliable cement provider, CIMERWA has optimized its plant’s production capacity over the years to further satisfy local

demand. To date the plant produces 480,000 tonnes per year with plans to up production capacity until full capacity is achieved (600,000 tonnes).

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Handwashing with soap is not only a basic hygiene habit, it is also very critical in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).

Unfortunately, ready access to clean water and handwashing stations is a luxury for some. According to a study conducted by UNICEF this year, only 3 out of 5 people worldwide have access basic handwashing facilities.

As the pandemic continues its spread, CIMERWA donated three new hand-washing stations to the District of Rusizi in a collaborative effort with the local authorities to encourage the practice of handwashing as a preventive measure against the pandemic.

The handwashing stations were installed in strategic high traffic zones across Kamembe including the new modern market, the old market and the bus park.

Rusizi Mayor – Kayumba Ephrem addressing the media at the official unveiling ceremony highlighted the importance of the donation for the Rusizi community.

“It is commendable to see that at the end of the day after making its profit as a business, CIMERWA invests in giving back to its own community. This is just one of many community-centric projects the district has embarked on with CIMERWA’s support, over the years we’ve built 18 houses for homeless people, invested in a tailoring workshop for women in the district and set up a fully-equipped health clinic to list a few. So CIMERWA has been part and parcel of the district’s development and we hope our collaboration will keep bearing its fruits for more years to come.”  Added the mayor.

This donation is part of a bigger project in which CIMERWA aims to donate 10 more handwashing stations across the district.

Albert Sigei – CIMERWA’s CEO unveiled this elaborate project thanking the District for their unfailing support while renewing CIMERWA’s pledge to keep strengthening communities.

“These three stations will be accompanied by another ten that will be spread out across the district to encourage the handwashing practice as we work towards ensuring the community’s safety against the COVID -19 pandemic. Projects such as these are illustrators of our wider brand purpose – Strengthening Rwanda. The pandemic brought a lot of things back into perspective and it reminded people to come together and lend a helping hand to those in need, as a company we’ve been privileged enough to take part in projects that bring the aforementioned to the forefront. To list a few examples, CIMERWA has put aside close to Rwf 70 Million to help the Muganza community with various essentials; food, masks, handwashing stations… In addition to this we’ve pledged Rwf 20 Million Rwf to both the MINEDUC classroom expansion project and the COVID relief fund. I speak for everyone at CIMERWA when I say that we are privileged to be able to give back to a community that has always been supportive to us as a business.” Explained Sigei.

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As the Covid-19 country-wide lockdown remains in full effect until further notice, the Ministry of Local Governance will be dispatching basic essentials including maize flour, beans, cooking oil, porridge flour, rice, salt, sugar and soap throughout all 416 sectors of Rwanda.

In an effort to lend a supporting hand to individuals hit by the Corona Virus and stave off some of its immediate effects, CIMERWA donated items worth Rwf 6,330,000 to the Bugarama community, home to its production plant in the Rusizi District. With the help of District authorities, this donation will be dispatched to the most vulnerable families in the area.

“We’re facing unprecedented circumstances, the Covid-19 pandemic has paralyzed the world. With the help of community authorities we targeted families that are being affected by the economic strain being faced and the consequent lockdown that has ensued. We can all contribute something, no matter how small it may seem. I encourage other local companies to join this collective effort so we can help as much as we can” stated Carl Heese, CIMERWA’s General Manager.

CIMERWA retains a keen focus on helping communities through its outreach initiatives endearingly termed “BecauseCIMERWA”.

“We commend the dedication of health workers across the country and government institutions that are hard at work to contain the spread of Corona Virus. Precaution measures like staying at home and washing our hands thoroughly can help us contain this virus quickly and effectively. In addition to the donation we just made to the Bugarama Community due to the COVID-19, we remain committed to CSI programs in other sectors such as health, education and more. We are stronger together.” expounded Paul Nkusi, CIMERWA’s HR Manager.

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This initiative is part of a series of community driven projects around the Bugarama CIMERWA plant area which range from supporting tailors, building a market, a clinic and even a primary school aptly named “L’educateur”.

The tailoring project, aimed at supporting the cooperative through capacity building and financial assistance.

The support extended to these tailors has transformed their lives both socially and economically as narrated by Jacqueline Nyinawingeli one of the beneficiaries of this project “when I joined this project back in 2014, I was struggling. I couldn’t afford daily expenses and my children were in bad health due to lack of nutritious foods but thanks to the support provided by CIMERWA many of us poor women can finally afford to take our children to good schools, pay their school fees and buy scholastic material for them without difficulty”

The cooperative has moved on to train young girls who did not have a chance to go further in their education. The girls are taught tailoring skills by the members and after acquiring the necessary skills they’re given a chance to join the cooperative

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“L’educateur” is a primary school in Bugarama built in 2006, the school started off relatively small with approximately 64 students enrolled. But a lot has changed since then, it went on to become a renowned establishment in the Rusizi region even being ranked second in the district for the past three years.

The school now has a total of 604 pupils enrolled and it has become a solution for parents who crave quality education for their children.

“L’educateur” boasts of an environment conducive to learning due to the facilities it provides, students are facilitated with breakfast and lunch on the premises and transport to and from the school.

Gakwavu Venuste, father of Muragwa Venuste who was the best student in the school, expressed his joy saying “we did all we could to support our son and this kind of commitment reflects the kind of impact l’educateur has had on the community in Rusizi”.

We can safely say this is a successful formula because in terms of performance the school has been consistent in its excellence with all students passing in grade 1 or grade 2.

The school is currently under expansion to accommodate an ordinary level of high school to facilitate the transition of its primary scholars.

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You must be aware that the month of March has been Women’s Appreciation Month. However, in case you didn’t know, this is a friendly reminder that indeed the month of March was set aside to celebrate women for all they do and how they do it.

So, a few weeks ago, it’s a no brainer for us to have made Women’s Day a thrill for women who work with us and those who sell CIMERWA products near and far.

As a surprise for women both staff and customers, CIMERWA organized overlapping events that sought to celebrate the ladies in a special way.

On International Women’s Day, CIMERWA women customers were treated to a brunch session as a pat on the back for being diligent vendors of cement.

It is during this event that the women were not only treated with a proper meal, a chance to network, air their issues, but also had a chance to be financially set by having a talk with one of CIMERWA banking partners.

The ladies present were from Kigali and Bugesera District based on logistics and practicality, according to Ms. Beninya Izabiliza from CIMERWA who coordinated the event wished to thank management for enabling her to make it a success with ease. She went on to encourage ladies to give selling cement a try saying, “We encourage women to invest in selling cement as a form of business since it is a moving and profitable business.”

As for Chantal Mukabaziga who echoed the thoughts of every client that sells CIMERWA cement in the room, “Working with CIMERWA is quite a great thing because they treat us with professional care, with prompt communication regarding the plant and all that we need to know.”

An invited guest Ms. Appolinarie Mukarusine was particularly grateful for the support CIMERWA gives them when it comes to seeking them to grow their businesses, “It’s no secret that CIMERWA has linked us with partnerships that help us advance our businesses and it is such a boost to us.”

In attendance were Mr John Bugunya, The Chief Finance Officer and Mr. John Jovith Maridadi Sales and Marketing Manager gave their remarks as they thanked the women for finding time to be present on that day.

To sum it all up, over brunch, the CIMERWA staff ladies got to have a special lunch delivery where their male counterparts served them lunch.

Here are some images that show the happy faces that crowned #IWD2019 a success:

Brunch is ready!

Well displayed meals for our women vendors who sell CIMERWA products in their stores

CIMERWA’s, Ms. Beninya Izabiliza coordinated with ladies and the CIMERWA administration to mark the day with such poise and grace.

Saving tips for the ladies in attendance from our friends at a banking institution were shared

They came bearing gifts

Some of the ladies paying attention to the day’s various speeches.

CIMERWA gave the ladies gifts that came in a care package for them to take home.

Ms. Chantal Mukabaziga, shared her sentiments on what it means to be working with CIMERWA as a vendor and the joy the surprise gave them.

The ladies agreed in unison with her, thus clapping in resounding agreement.

Ms. Appolinarie Mukarusine gives her remarks thanking CIMERWA for inspiring women to reach far in every chance they get.

Group picture to mark the celebrations a success! Happy people!

CIMERWA: Strengthening Gender Balance.

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With a heritage of over 30 years of changing the Rwandan landscape, CIMERWA is the only cement company that mines raw materials, produces the clinker material, packs and sells cement for general and civil construction. Our production plant is located in Bugarama, Rusizi district in South Western border of Rwanda.

CIMERWA through the times, has remarkably polished the way it implements its work and was recently awarded the ISO 9001:2015 certification. This is internationally recognized as a world leading quality management standard. This certificate can only be earned after a thorough QMS audit carried out by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) representatives.

“The certificate gives customers full confidence that our products and services meet the applicable statutory, regulatory and international requirements for our product as well as enhancing customer satisfaction, which is a key concept to CIMERWA and a vote of trust and confidence for our company” said Edgar Odipo – CIMERWA Sales & Distribution Manager.

“A certification like this increases the trust of the suppliers, shareholders and other partners in the industry and beyond not only locally but internationally. The certification enhances customer satisfaction and improves customer loyalty leading to repeat business and also leads to increased credibility and market competitiveness” Odipo added

This award comes at a time when CIMERWA has just launched its new brand vision “Strengthening Rwanda” which has been and still is the brand’s way of life and is the story of CIMERWA journey and commitment to empowering the people and the community they operate in.

“Strengthening Rwanda is in line with our mission to strengthen our relationship with our biggest strategic partner; which is the Government of Rwanda. The Government has a vision to develop the economy to be competitive within the EAC region and beyond. As a Made in Rwanda brand, we share this vision of growth and progress”. Said CIMERWA CEO, Bheki Mthembu.

To sum up the above, the management of CIMERWA highly appreciates this certification and sees so much opportunity to be able to infiltrate any market regionally. The company is also committed to be the leading producer and supplier of quality cement and related products as well as solutions in the Great Lakes region while maximizing stakeholder value.

Rwanda Standards Board is certified by German International Certification body, DOS.ISO 9001 on ISO 9001:2008 for International organization for standardization, which recognizes the professional services offered by RSB in compliance with ISO 9001 requirements in its quality management system provision.

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The construction sector has been traditionally dominated by male professionals, efforts to secure equal rights through women emancipation have encouraged more women to break the status quo. CIMERWA as a major player has witnessed this change and today we get to celebrate three wonderful and hardworking ladies that have supported CIMERWA in its pursuit of strengthening Rwanda.

Meet Umutoni Beza Lilliane, Mukaneza Chantal and Uwineza Joyeuse who own and manage Redlich Suppliers Ltd, one of our leading distributors. Redlich Suppliers Ltd has one company vehicle that the ladies use to coordinate their work. In addition, they have trucks commissioned to them by CIMERWA for delivery purposes. For us as a company, it is exciting seeing this trio at work as they endeavor to get our product to the market.

“It wasn’t easy at the beginning,” Chantal said in regards to women joining the construction sector. “We saw it as an opportunity that we could also take advantage of. We have not regretted that decision since.”

Speaking to Lilliane, “Mbere yo gukorera CIMERWA, twari abagore bo murugo, tutegereje ibyo umugabo azana ku meza, ukaba warize ariko udafite ubushobozi kubera kubona akazi iki gihe ntago byoroshye, nge na bagenzi bange dushimira CIMERWA cyane kuba yaraduhaye icyo kizere kandi igakomeza kukorana natwe neza ititaye ko turi abagore, natwe rero sitwabatenguha”

“Abagore muri rusange dufite kuva mu myumvire yakera, icyo umugabo yakora nawe wagikora, twagendeye ku mvugo ya President “yateje abagore imbere mu kwitinyuka kumva ko byose bashoboye ”Lilliane said

To paraphrase the above Lilliane said a lot has changed in their lives, they never thought they would be able to say this today but women, in general, should not fear to come out and do what is considered “for men”.

For Lilliane, Chantal and Joyeuse, the past five years have taught them that it is possible to venture into the unknown and make it out unscathed. Redlich Suppliers Ltd is their way to new and exciting challenges.

CIMERWA currently employs over 20% direct female employees and is working towards staying committed to gender equality in the work place. To our customers and partners such as Redlich Suppliers Ltd, we will always walk this path of growth with you as we continue to strengthen our mother land Rwanda.

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Speaking to Gakwavu Venuste, father of Munezero Muragwa Thierry who was the best student in school, he expressed a lot of happiness towards the success of the son.

“Twagerageje gukoresha ibishoboka byose kugirango umwana wacu atsinde harimo kumuha uburengazira bwo gukoresha internet kugirango ashobore kwihugura na nyuma y’ishuri aho abana batashye. Bikarushaho nuko njye n’umufasha wanjye turi abarimu rero yaratwiyambazaga mugihe ashatse ubufasha”says the father

To paraphrase the above, Mr. & Mrs. Venuste, who are teachers, spent a good portion of time supporting their son to achieve these results. This kind of commitment reflects the kind of impact Educateur has had with the Rusizi community.

While chatting with the top three students Munezero Muragwa Thierry, Mugisha Bernard and Ineza Uwase Nadia aged 12 and 13 respectively, the students made it clear that this is just the beginning for them. Their aspiration to become professional doctors is final goal in their journey of education.

CIMERWA is mostly known for being the only locally cement producer, however, it’s also committed to empowering the community and that is why strengthening the Education sector is key to the company. With the Educateur project, the results speak for themselves.

“This does really mean a lot to the community.” said the Educateur Headmaster

It was such a joyful day for both parents and children that even the neighboring schools felt like being part of this interesting journey with Educateur.

Parents in general thanked the management of CIMERWA for the continued support. They also thank the teachers for their hands on approach that includes engaging students in group discussions, and class quizzes.

Mr. Havugimana Valens, Headmaster of Educateur Primary school was indeed happy for having all his students pass very well, he congratulated all the students who sat for last year’s PLE exams and urged them to stay focused as they were during the six years stay at school because the journey does not end there, it still continues. He stated that they should set their goals higher in the entire course of their career. With their ambition, the best is yet to come!

“All the candidates who obtained the first and second distinction stand a chance to be called in various government schools and since all his 39 candidates that sat for the exams were in that range are privileged to join the best secondary schools depending on their choices “said the Head master.

CIMERWA was highly appreciated for the continued support in education in terms of construction of the school, making sure the student’s performance is not hindered by the environment, and hiring qualified teachers who offer quality education. Parents emphasized on the fact that they would do anything possible for the CIMERWA plant to achieve its objectives in that area.

CIMERWA indeed strengthens EDUCATION!

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