Afghanistan inaugurates first phase of Kandahar cement factory

Afghanistan has inaugurated the first phase of the Shorandam Cement Factory in Kandahar province, marking a step toward expanding domestic cement production and reducing reliance on imports.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, officially opened the facility on Thursday at a ceremony attended by senior officials of the Islamic Emirate.

Speaking at the ceremony, Baradar said sustainable economic development requires the effective use of domestic resources and a shift from a consumer-based economy to a production-driven one.

He stressed the need to boost local production, reduce imports, expand exports and strengthen the country’s industrial sector.

According to officials, the first phase of the factory has a daily production capacity of 1,500 metric tons of cement and is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Work on the second phase is also expected to begin in the future.

Hidayatullah Badri, Minister of Mines and Petroleum, said cement production had resumed in Afghanistan for the first time since the Islamic Emirate returned to power.

He added that six major cement production projects are currently underway across the country, involving a combined investment of $662 million.

According to Badri, the projects are expected to create employment opportunities for around 15,000 people and meet nearly 50 percent of Afghanistan’s domestic cement demand once completed.

Islamic Emirate spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also welcomed the factory’s inauguration, describing it as positive news for the country and emphasizing the importance of maintaining production quality and industrial standards.

Afghanistan currently relies heavily on imported cement to meet domestic demand. The expansion of local production is expected to reduce dependence on imports, support the construction industry and create employment opportunities.