Africa Dialogue on Low-Carbon Cement: Pathways for Greener Industrial Growth

African governments, industry leaders, and development partners met in Addis Ababa for the Africa Dialogue on Cement for Green Industrialization. The event, organized by UNIDO, brought together over 110 participants from 39 countries to discuss reducing emissions from cement production while supporting the continent's rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion. The focus was on practical solutions for low-carbon cement and sustainable industrial development. Cement production is a major source of industrial CO2 emissions globally. For Africa, which is urbanizing quickly, the challenge is to build infrastructure without locking in high emissions. The dialogue explored alternative materials, energy efficiency measures, and policy frameworks that could help the continent leapfrog to cleaner production methods. The meeting signals growing recognition that industrial growth and climate goals must be aligned from the start.