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CIMERWA Cement Factory

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The CIMERWA Cement Factory in Bugarama is the largest cement producer in Rwanda, playing a crucial role in the country's construction sector. The factory was originally established in the 1980s, but in recent years a new, state-of-the-art plant was built with a significantly higher production capacity. This expansion was necessary to meet the growing demand for cement, driven by Rwanda's construction boom. CIMERWA uses locally sourced raw materials, such as limestone, to produce high-quality cement. The new plant is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than the old one. The company is a major employer in the Western Province and contributes to infrastructure development by supplying an essential building material. CIMERWA also exports cement to neighboring countries, contributing to Rwanda's foreign exchange earnings.

Location: Rwanda
Nearby: Bugarama (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	18	19	19	18	18	17	17	18	19	19	18	18
Rain mm	159	141	197	181	112	52	31	73	127	188	265	180

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

This is the largest cement factory in Rwanda, playing a crucial role in the construction industry by supplying cement for major infrastructure projects across the country. As a fully integrated manufacturer, it handles the entire production chain from raw materials to finished cement.

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Visiting

The factory is an industrial site with restricted access; visitors cannot enter without prior permission. However, the exterior and loading areas can be clearly seen from the main road outside, providing a good view of the operations.

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Where to view it

The best public viewpoint is from the road leading to the factory entrance, offering a clear view of the silos and conveyor belts. Alternatively, the surrounding hills provide a panoramic perspective of the entire industrial complex and its scale.

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Local products

The main product is cement in various grades, used for construction. Travelers may find cement bags at local hardware stores, but the factory itself sells only to distributors; small-scale purchases are not directly available.

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Active season

Cement production runs continuously throughout the year, with no significant seasonal variation. Deliveries and truck traffic are typically busiest during the dry season when construction projects accelerate across Rwanda.

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Nearby

Combine a visit with the nearby town of Rusizi or the shores of Lake Kivu for a varied itinerary. The area also provides other industrial sites like the Nyabarongo hydroelectric plant further north, making a regional industrial tour.