Ethiopia: The Africa Dialogue on Cement for Green Industrialisation concluded with a call to accelerate practical action on low-carbon cement and concrete as Africa enters a period of urban growth and infrastructure development. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Industry of Ethiopia and jointly organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s (UNIDO) Net Zero Partnership for Industrial Decarbonisation, together with the GCCA and other organisations. It brought together more than 110 participants from 39 countries, including cement producers, government representatives, industry associations, research institutions and others.

UNIDO said that around 80% of Africa’s 2050 building stock is yet to be constructed and the continent’s cement production is therefore expected to increase significantly in the coming decades. The event focused on solutions that are already available and can be scaled, including reducing the clinker content of cement through supplementary cementitious materials and calcined clay cement, increasing the use of alternative fuels and improving material efficiency. Participants visited Habesha Cement plant on the first day.

Stephen Kargbo, director of the UNIDO sub-regional office and representative to Ethiopia, the African Union and UNECA, said “Every bag of cement we choose today is a vote for the kind of Africa we will live in tomorrow. The decisions we make today will lock in emissions for the next half century. If we embed low-carbon norms now, Africa can industrialise sustainably, attract green investment and equip its youth with the skills to lead tomorrow's construction sector."

Armenia: The Ararat Cement plant has restarted operations following weeks of disruption, according to Armenia's Ministry of Economy. Deputy Economy Minister Edgar Zakaryan visited the facility to review the production process alongside the plant's general director.

The restart comes after the plant was sealed in early July 2026 following an investigation into businessman and opposition leader Gagik Tsarukyan. Employees staged protests demanding the right to return to work. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the government is preparing to appoint a state manager to oversee the plant as part of ongoing proceedings.

Spain: Reduced working hours due to the heatwave sweeping Europe currently have come into effect in Extremadura. From 14 July 2026 until 14 August 2026, workers in the construction and cement-related sectors will work for seven hours a day. The measure is included in the provincial collective agreements of Badajoz and Cáceres and is mandatory for all companies. The reduction is in response to occupational risk prevention measures, allowing for intensive morning shifts, avoidance of exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day and therefore lowering the risk of heatstroke. Companies must also guarantee abundant water at all construction sites. Trade union Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) has insisted that the reduced hours should be extended through the summer, and has reportedly been advocating for shorter, morning shifts for years. It said that it would be vigilant in reporting any violations to the labour authorities.

Bangladesh: The Bangladesh Coast Guard has detained 22 people and seized three cargo boats carrying a large quantity of cement allegedly being smuggled to Myanmar. During a search, officials recovered 2400 bags of Diamond Cement in the boats, along with fertiliser. The seized goods are estimated to be worth around US$11,356. According to local press, seizure of the same cement brand in recent anti-smuggling operations has raised questions among observers and called for increased scrutiny.