Botswana Restricts Pre-Packed Cement Imports to Boost Local Industry

Botswana Restricts Pre-Packed Cement Imports to Boost Local Industry. The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship has implemented new regulations restricting the importation of pre-packed cement in a bid to stimulate local production and attract investment into Botswana’s cement industry.

Under Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 102 of 2025, published in the Government Gazette on 1 August, importers of pre-packed cement must now obtain a permit before bringing the product into the country. The regulation defines pre-packed cement as any cement packaged in quantities of less than 1 000 kg.

The SI also limits imports for personal use, allowing individuals to bring in no more than 10 bags of 500 kg each or 10 bags of 50 kg each without a commercial permit. This measure is designed to ensure that large-scale imports are channelled through regulated processes that support domestic industry growth.

According to the Ministry, the new restrictions aim to encourage the development of micro, small, medium, and large enterprises involved in cement manufacturing and distribution. By reducing reliance on imported cement, the government hopes to create opportunities for local businesses to expand production capacity, improve supply chains, and meet growing demand within the country.

For Botswana’s entrepreneurs and investors, the policy shift presents an opening to enter or scale operations in the construction materials sector. Local production could benefit from increased market share, while related industries such as transport, packaging, and retail stand to gain from a more vibrant cement supply ecosystem.

The Ministry has urged eligible and prospective businesses to take advantage of the regulatory framework, emphasising its commitment to fostering industrial growth, job creation, and economic diversification through import substitution.