How Tembo Steels is setting global benchmarks in sustainable steel production

Tembo Steels Uganda is known for its  pivotal role in the Uganda and Africa’s steel industry. Since its inception in 2000, Tembo Steels has been a leader in steel manufacturing in Uganda, pioneering innovations like TMT bars production and lightweight structural steel.

The company is the sole provider of primary steel production in the country, utilizing Directly Reduced Iron (DRI) to ensure high-quality products while setting benchmarks for purity and strength.

The process at Tembo is a transition from reliance on secondary steel production to a more advanced, value-added model. Despite challenges from foreign competition, such as Chinese imports, Tembo Steels has maintained its competitive edge by innovating and expanding its production capacities, including the launched DRI plant.

Sustainability is at the heart of Tembo Steels’ operations, as it drives green steel practices in Uganda. The company has achieved a carbon emissions matrix close to 70%, far exceeding global averages.

In addition to its industrial achievements, Tembo Steels is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility in Uganda, contributing to healthcare and environmental initiatives. From producing oxygen during the COVID-19 crisis to conducting extensive plantation projects, the company underscores its dedication to community well-being.

Tembo Steels setting global benchmarks in sustainable steel production, reinforcing its leadership in the Uganda steel market while continuing to innovate and support the country’s economic growth.

Tembo’s  journey began in 2000 when they  pioneered the production of TMT bars in Uganda. TMT, which stands for thermomechanically treated bars, are high-strength, flexible bars that enable steel savings of around 15-20% in high-rise buildings due to their strength.

In 2008, they expanded into structural steel production in Uganda. They now operate two manufacturing units. Uganda recently began producing Directly Reduced Iron (DRI), which serves as their main input material.

In addition to TMT bars for high rises and dams, they produce structural steel for fabrication, HRC for hot welded sheets, and wire rods.

In terms of product diversity, we lead the continent in the variety of combustors and substrates we produce—offering an unmatched range across Africa.

Tembo is  the only primary steel producer in the country, which gives them an inherent advantage in steel purity. Primary steel production, using virgin iron ore, avoids residual elements found in scrap melting. These residual elements can weaken overall quality, affecting strength and ductility. Their position as the sole primary steel manufacturer ensures a superior product.

Additionally, Tembo  Steel is associated with other global benchmarks. They manufacture the lightest structural steel in the world, ensuring that structural profiles used in fabrication do not compromise strength and ductility. They optimized the design without sacrificing performance, allowing them to proudly claim their position as the manufacturer of lightweight structural steel section profiles globally.

They  are among the few companies globally that practice green steel production. We have achieved a carbon emissions matrix close to 70%, placing them in an elite category within the primary steel sector.