MACCEM Secures $24 Million IFC Loan to Build Sierra Leone’s First Cement Grinding Plant in Over 40 Years

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has approved a $24 million loan to MACCEM Industries for the construction of Sierra Leone’s first new cement grinding plant in more than four decades — a milestone set to reshape the country’s construction sector.
With an annual production capacity of 657,000 tons, the new facility will:
• Meet up to 65% of Sierra Leone’s cement demand locally
• Create more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs
• Reduce reliance on costly cement imports
• Support sustainable practices through solar energy integration and climate-smart manufacturing
By sourcing local inputs and adopting renewable energy solutions, the project is expected to lower both construction and operational costs while setting new benchmarks for green industrial development in West Africa.
“This partnership reflects IFC’s commitment to driving industrialization, strengthening local manufacturing, and fostering inclusive growth in Sierra Leone,” IFC stated.
MACCEM, a proudly Sierra Leonean-owned company, is dedicated to producing high-quality cement products tailored to the country’s growing infrastructure needs. This landmark investment underscores the private sector’s vital role in building resilient industries, creating jobs, and supporting long-term prosperity.