Kigali, May 7, 2015…

CIMERWA, Rwanda's largest cement producer, today unveiled its new corporate identity and product packaging.

"It is with great pride and excitement that we present our new corporate identity today. We have moved from the previous green to a bold blue reflecting the refreshing nature of the business as we go through a rebirth and repositioning of CIMERWA. The previous logo was a closed diamond; the new logo is open, symbolizing the bright future of the company and the journey we will be making together towards the top" explains Mrs Busisiwe Legodi, Chief Executive Officer at CIMERWA.

The launch of the new corporate identity comes as CIMERWA puts the finishing touches to its new, state-of-the-art production facility in Bugarama. The new plant, which will boost CIMERWA's manufacturing capacity by six times, will commence production early in the second half of this year. The new look CIMERWA cement bags will see the general purpose cement, popularly known as 32.5, sporting a bold blue color while the 42.5, used mostly for construction, will come in bright red packaging.

Speaking at a media briefing in Kigali today Mrs Legodi confirmed that construction of the plant is now complete and undergoing structured tests in line with global best practice on cement manufacturing.

"The testing phase, which is the most important in preparing the plant for production, will take at least two months. Our aim is to certify that the new plant operates efficiently and effectively when it is running fully and produces a quality cement to meet Rwanda's growing demand," she added.

CIMERWA's new corporate identity symbolises the strength of a brand built on solid, sustainable partnerships; a company that goes beyond producing 'a bag of cement'. CIMERWA works in close partnership with the Government of Rwanda, ensuring its business objectives are aligned to those set out in EDPRS 2 and Vision 2020 - from supporting Rwanda's economic development, to good corporate citizenship through involvement with the community and investing in staff. Mrs Legodi thanked government representatives for their ongoing support for the project and reiterated her commitment to working hand in hand with them.

Rwanda currently imports the bulk of its cement requirements; CIMERWA expects that this is going to change as it moves towards meeting the national demand through local production. With the new identity, CIMERWA is now positioned firmly as a regional company that will also be exporting cement to the neighboring markets of Burundi and Eastern DRC.

"We have worked closely with our counterparts at PPC Ltd, South Africa's largest cement company and a major shareholder in CIMERWA, harnessing their 123 years of experience to deliver this project" Mrs Legodi explains.

In conclusion Mrs. Legodi said "we have been in operation for over 30 years and expect the future to offer CIMERWA immense opportunities for growth and participation in Rwanda's and the region's development."

For more information contact Duncan Ondigo, duncan.ondigo@strategicafrica.com +250 784 01 88 70 OR Marie Ange Rukundo marieange.rk@strategicafrica.com +250 789 296 037

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