In brief
Afghanistan inaugurated a 1,500‑ton‑per‑day cement factory in Kandahar on October 30, 2026, with plans to expand to 5,000 tons and a workforce of around 1,000. The government cited the facility as a benchmark for industrial growth, while noting a second plant is underway in Parwan province. Uncertainties remain about the timing of full capacity, additional investments, and the long‑term impact of these projects.
Afghanistan opened its first large‑scale cement plant in Kandahar province on Thursday, a move described by officials as a milestone in the country’s pursuit of industrial independence.
The 100‑acre complex, whose construction cost 113 million U.S. dollars, is located on the outskirts of Kandahar city and currently produces 1,500 tons of cement a day. The facility was inaugurated by Sayed Sarwar Amani, head of the Kandahar Chamber of Mines and Industries, who highlighted the plant’s role in reducing reliance on imported building materials.
Around 1,000 employees work on the site, according to Amani, and the workforce is expected to grow as production is scaled up. The plant’s design includes a future expansion to 5,000 tons per day, a figure that Amani said would be reached once additional investment funds are secured.
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, addressed the opening ceremony and pledged government support for private investment in the industry. He called on “industrialists and investment companies” to consider projects that could further boost Afghanistan’s manufacturing capabilities.
Expansion and Future Plans
Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid added that the administration will continue building cement factories in the war‑torn country. Mujahid said they had already laid the groundwork for another plant in the Jabal Saraj district of eastern Parwan province, construction of which began in July. The stated goal of the Parwan site is to contribute to the nation’s broader aim of self‑sufficiency in cement production.
In a related report, Pajhwok Afghan News noted that the first phase of the Shorandam Cement Factory in Kandahar had begun operation, and that its inauguration was viewed as a positive signal for economic activity. The outlet quoted a government official saying that the country should meet its needs through domestic production, though no direct quotation was provided.
Ground.news highlighted the ceremony by noting that Taliban authorities declared the operation of the first phase had started on Thursday, confirming that the plant was already in service.
While the new facility’s opening marks a concrete step for Afghanistan’s industrial sector, several questions remain unanswered. The timeline for reaching the projected 5,000‑ton daily capacity, the total number of jobs expected as expansion progresses, and the extent of private sector involvement in future projects are still uncertain. Additionally, the pace at which the Parwan plant will become operational and its potential to meet domestic demand has not yet been quantified. These points illustrate the pending nature of Afghanistan’s full transition to self‑sufficient cement production, as indicated by the sources cited.
