Ugandan steel company, Tembo Steels has emerged as a trailblazer, redefining what it means to be a sustainable and self-reliant manufacturing powerhouse.
Since its inception in 2000, the company has not only played a vital role in fueling Uganda’s economic development but also set continental benchmarks in green steel production and industrial innovation.
Operating the only fully integrated steel production facility in Africa capable of producing hot-rolled coils (HRC), structural steel, wire rods, and thermo-mechanically treated (TMT) bars directly from iron ore, Tembo Steels boasts of an impressive installed capacity of 1.8 million tons.
This vertical integration has significantly boosted Uganda’s self-sufficiency, reducing its dependency on steel imports and supporting the country’s “Buy Uganda, Build Uganda” initiative.
What truly sets Tembo Steels apart is its commitment to environmentally conscious manufacturing. The company has achieved global recognition by producing low-carbon steel from cast iron, reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 70% through advanced steel-making processes and continuous investment in research and development. Its innovations include the world’s thinnest hot-rolled steel sheets at 0.7mm and some of the lightest structural steel sections, produced using direct rolling techniques.
Tembo Steels’ technological edge is matched by its expansive product line, arguably the most diverse in Africa spanning nearly 70% of global steel product types manufactured through integrated processes.
Notably, it is the first on the continent to introduce a bullet-casting facility and to produce hollow sections and tubes from iron ore. The steel company also pioneered the deployment of Africa’s first 18-stand horizontal-vertical section mill and the introduction of TMT bars made using TC Ring Technology.
Beyond its industrial achievements, Tembo Steels has made a meaningful impact on community welfare and environmental sustainability. Through partnerships with the Busoga Development Agency, the company has initiated large-scale tree-planting drives in Iganga District, reinforcing its vision of harmonizing ecological conservation with industrial progress.
Social responsibility is deeply embedded in Tembo Steels’ corporate ethos. The company has created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and actively supports local distribution networks, prioritizing local suppliers and small businesses.
The company also contributes to education, healthcare, and community development, which includes supplying academic materials to orphans and supporting religious infrastructure. They also aid people with disabilities by donating medical equipment and organizing health outreach programs, including eye screenings and blood drives.
As Uganda’s foremost steel producer, Tembo Steels not only anchors the country’s manufacturing sector but also shapes its economic and social trajectory. Its push for protective trade policies and domestic investment underscores a broader commitment to building a resilient, locally empowered industrial base one that could serve as a model for other African nations.
