ZAMBIA: PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia has inaugurated the state-of-the-art PDV Metals Steel Plant, marking a significant milestone in regional industrial development.
The plant, a joint venture between China’s PDV Group and Zambia’s Nicho Group, is located in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone and represents a transformative 230 million US dollars investment.
It stands as the largest rebar production facility in Southern Africa and is poised to supply Tanzanian infrastructure projects with high-quality, competitively priced steel products, opening a new chapter for Tanzania’s steel industry.
With an impressive annual production capacity of 300,000 tons of rebar and 30,000 tons of specialty steel, the plant was completed in a record 10 months, a testament to swift project execution and strong collaborative efforts.
The project has received robust support from the Zambian government and international entities, including China’s state companies and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Beyond being a manufacturing site, the PDV Metals Steel Plant is set to catalyze regional development and economic transformation, addressing the rising demand for premium steel in Tanzania’s burgeoning construction and infrastructure sectors at costs that rival legally imported alternatives.
Revolutionizing Quality and Sustainability
The PDV Metals Steel Plant is committed to sustainable development, offering Tanzanian projects a reliable supply of high-quality steel while upholding environmentally conscious practices.
The facility integrates advanced smelting, refining, casting, and rolling technologies that prioritize efficiency and waste reduction. This means that Tanzanian contractors can access top-grade steel products that adhere to international quality standards, bolstering infrastructure projects with durable and resilient materials.
Boosting Economic and Industrial Development
Exports to Tanzania are expected to make up 50-70 per cent of the plant’s production, placing the facility at the center of Tanzania’s infrastructure and industrial growth.
Key sectors, such as mining, transportation, and construction, will benefit from the enhanced supply, helping stabilize steel availability, reduce reliance on imports, and foster a more self-sufficient industrial landscape.
This venture exemplifies the power of regional cooperation, underscoring the mutual economic goals shared by Zambia and Tanzania.
Driving Job Creation and Skill Development
The PDV Metals project extends its impact beyond steel production, underscoring a commitment to long-term regional development through job creation and skill enhancement.
The plant currently employs around 500 workers and plans to establish a technical training centre aimed at developing skilled Labor for both Zambia and neighbouring countries.
This initiative offers Tanzanian professionals and trainees the chance to gain expertise in advanced steel manufacturing, setting the stage for a future workforce equipped to support and lead the region’s industrial progress.
Strengthening Zambia-Tanzania Trade Relations
The launch of the PDV Metals Steel Plant signals a new era in trade relations between Zambia and Tanzania, showcasing the potential for cross-border partnerships that fuel regional growth.
With the plant poised to supply essential steel products for Tanzanian infrastructure at competitive prices, the venture promises cost-effective, legally compliant solutions that will empower local construction and enhance industrial resilience.
As the PDV Metals Steel Plant looks to further expand its operations, it stands as a symbol of the enduring value of regional collaboration, mutual progress, and the evolving economic ties within the Tanzania-Zambia corridor. This plant is more than a facility—it is a beacon of shared opportunity and sustainable development for Southern Africa.
