The LC3 Information Day on December 4, 2025, at the Hilton Addis served as a key platform to advance adoption of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) technology in Ethiopia. Hosted by the LC3 initiative under the leadership of Prof. Karen Scrivener-EPFL, the event convened key stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, regulatory authorities, academia and leaders from the cement industry to explore the role of LC3 in aligning rapid urbanization with global climate targets.
Powerful keynotes were delivered by LC3 partners, highlighting both technical and strategic pathways for LC3 implementation. LC3 TRC Africa was ably represented by its Head, Dr Joseph Mwiti Marangu and geologist Erick Nabea, who presented on the ‘Implementation of LC3 in Ethiopia’. This keynote unpacked how Ethiopian producers can practically transition from traditional clinker-intensive cements to LC3 using locally available clays and limestone. The presentation emphasized process optimization, quality control and cost competitiveness, showing that LC3 can cut emissions while lowering production costs and improving access to affordable, durable construction materials. Prof. Karen Scrivener and Mr. Laurent Grimmeissen further emphasized LC3’s crucial role in global decarbonization and climate action.
Ethiopia, among Africa’s fastest-urbanizing countries, grapples with escalating demands for housing and infrastructure amid its Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy. The nation’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commits to a 64% emissions reduction by 2030 relative to business-as-usual scenarios, spotlighting the cement sector for decarbonization. LC3 cement has the ability to slash CO₂ emissions by millions of tonnes while delivering high-performance concrete suitable for Ethiopian conditions.
The LC3 Information Day featured presentations on its technical viability, cost saving through locally sourced materials, and environmental gains, drawing from successful pilots in Africa. Discussions addressed implementation barriers, such as clay sourcing and plant retrofitting, tailored to Ethiopia’s cement producers.
In addition, the gathering offered comprehensive overviews of the benefits of LC3 via expert talks, panel sessions and networking. Key stakeholders had vibrant conversations on adoption roadmaps, fostering public-private partnerships to scale up production.