Due largely to limited natural petroleum resources, Zimbabwe's chemicals industry is fairly limited and most of the necessary chemicals are imported. However, as one of the government's measures to improve economic stability, Zimbabwe aims to manufacture more chemicals within the country so as to reduce the loss in foreign exchange. Chemicals, ferrochrome derivatives and pesticides have all been targeted for import-substitution and in 1994, a chemical refinery was commissioned with the prospect of high earnings.
Cement is produced in relatively large quantities.
A company active in this sector is Circle Cement Ltd, in Harare.