Plizio Visual Lab

National Cement Factory

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

National Cement Share Company, based in Dire Dawa, is one of Ethiopia's oldest and most significant heavy industrial enterprises. The factory was originally established in 1936 during the Italian occupation as the Dire Dawa Cement Factory, marking the birth of the cement industry in the country. Following privatization and a strategic partnership with East African Holding, the company underwent a major transformation. In 2012, a new, large-scale production plant was commissioned, vastly increasing output to meet the demands of Ethiopia's rapid infrastructure development and urban growth. The factory utilizes local limestone deposits from the Dire Dawa area, producing various grades of cement used in major national projects, including hydroelectric dams and highways. As a primary employer in Eastern Ethiopia, the company is central to the economic vitality of Dire Dawa. It continues to invest in modernizing its kilns and adopting environmentally friendly production standards to ensure long-term industrial sustainability.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	19	21	23	23	23	23	21	21	21	21	19	19
Rain mm	6	13	46	114	85	51	116	146	113	37	22	11

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The National Cement Factory in Dire Dawa is one of Ethiopia's oldest cement plants, continuously modernized. It supplies the region with building materials for infrastructure projects and housing construction, and is a major employer.

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Visiting

The factory premises are generally not open to the public for safety reasons. A visit is only possible with prior company permission or as part of an organized plant tour.

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Where to view it

From the main road passing the factory, there is a good view of the production facilities and the characteristic chimneys. The surrounding hills also provide an elevated perspective on the plant.

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Local products

The plant primarily produces Portland cement in various strength classes, sold in bags or bulk. Locally fired bricks and building stones are also offered in the area.

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Active season

Production runs year-round, interrupted by regular maintenance periods. Increased demand occurs during the dry season when construction projects in Ethiopia are intensified.

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Nearby

A visit to the cement factory can be combined with exploring the city of Dire Dawa, known for its lively markets and railway history. The nearby Awash National Park is also worth a trip.