Supported by €33 million in long-term funding provided by the European Investment Bank, on 22 February, Derba MIDROC Cement Plc, Ethiopia’s biggest cement factory, will produce 8,000 tonnes a day and reduce the need for the landlocked country to import building materials essential for continued growth of construction, housing and infrastructure. The construction of the plant and its future operation follow strict environmental and social guidelines as required by the EIB and other international financial institutions that provide more than 44% of funding for the project.