Cement prices in Mali have risen sharply with some blaming the absence of Senegalese imports while others have put the blame firmly at the door of the government and Diamond Cement. A present, the ex-works cement price is XOF87,500/t (US$149.09/t).

However, low output at Diamond Cement’s cement plant is insufficient to serve the 3Mta Malian market. While the company has a cement capacity of 1Mta, output at the plant is currently 0.645Mt, according to representatives of the cement producer. They suggested a number of solutions, including the import of cement and a new 2Mta cement plant in Bema.

Meanwhile, Senegalese producers are focussing their efforts on the domestic market, which is enjoying a construction revival.