Another modern cement production plant has been inaugurated in Dire-Dawa, Ethiopia, by Pioneer Cement Manufacturing PLC. The new plant (photo) is a joint venture between local and Chinese investors and is creating at least 550 direct jobs. With this new plant and the new and huge Lemi cement plant, the cement capacity in the country has increased to about 24.0 Mta and the capacity utilization has fallen to less than 50%. For many years to come Ethiopia is self-sufficient on cement and for a higher capacity utilization cement exports are crucial. However, this is very challenging because Ethiopia is a landlocked country.