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LANDCROS ushers in smart construction era. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Construction

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (HCM) has announced that it will undergo a transformation and rebrand as LANDCROS, effective April 2027

As the construction and mining industries enter a new era, global demand is shifting toward faster, smarter, and more sustainable methods of developing infrastructure and housing, despite challenges such as a shrinking skilled workforce, rising costs, and tighter deadlines. In response, Hitachi Construction Machinery is reinventing itself to stand alongside its customers and distribution partners, leading this transformation together.

Solutions beyond machinery

The name ‘LANDCROS’ embodies the company’s determination to deliver innovative solutions to customers worldwide in the construction and mining sectors.

This rebranding marks a renewed commitment to accelerate the company’s evolution, representing its dedication to creating and delivering greater value in collaboration with customers well into the future.

Francesco Quaranta, HCM europe president & CEO, stated, “LANDCROS represents our commitment to go beyond machinery, empowering customers with intelligent, connected, and sustainable solutions. It is based on a partnership philosophy, working openly with technology leaders, integrating cutting-edge digital and AI capabilities into machines that symbolise reliability in the construction industry, whilst creating a reimagined customer experience from ground to cloud.”

This transformation builds upon HCM’s trusted dealer network, the foundation of its success. Together, the company and its partners aim to redefine the customer experience by integrating AI, data, design, and human ingenuity to help build a more sustainable future.

Orange Marine expands its eco-efficient fleet with two cutting-edge vessels to secure and modernise global subsea networks. (Image source: Orange Marine)

Logistics

Orange Marine, a subsidiary of Orange specialising in submarine cable operations, has announced the construction of two advanced cable ships to boost the resilience of undersea communication networks across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa

With these additions, the Orange Group will possess one of the world’s most technologically advanced and modern maintenance fleets. In total, four vessels will serve key maritime regions, including the Atlantic, the English Channel, the North Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean, and the Red Sea. Together, they will ensure the continuity and protection of critical submarine cable systems that connect continents. In addition, Orange Marine and its Italian subsidiary, Elettra TLC, operate two cable-laying vessels and one reconnaissance ship used for marine surveys.

“As a leader in global digital infrastructure, Orange manages over 450,000 km of undersea cables connecting all continents. This strategic investment in our fleet of cable ships will be a key to ensuring the resilience and security of the global Internet. It demonstrates our confidence in Orange Marine's prospects and the expertise of its teams,” said Michaël Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale.

Expanding capabilities with cutting-edge technology

The two new sister vessels, modelled after the Sophie Germain launched in 2023, will primarily perform submarine cable maintenance but will also have the capacity to lay connecting segments of up to 1,000 km. They are set to replace the Léon Thévenin (1983, based in South Africa) and Antonio Meucci (1987, based in Italy), which currently handle maintenance across the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Red Sea.

Construction of the new ships has been awarded to Colombo Dockyard in Sri Lanka, a shipyard recognised for its expertise and the successful delivery of the Sophie Germain. This project reflects Orange Marine’s focus on industrial excellence and global collaboration, with delivery planned for 2028 and 2029.

A sustainable and innovative fleet

In line with Orange Marine’s commitment to environmental responsibility, the two vessels will feature technologies designed to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by 20% compared to current ships.

Key sustainable features include:

* A streamlined hull that cuts fuel consumption by up to 25 percent

* A hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system with onboard power generation and battery storage

* Azipod main thrusters to enhance manoeuvrability and reliability

* Shore power connection capabilities to reduce emissions while docked

Both ships will be equipped with a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV), developed by Orange Marine, allowing for precise underwater cable cutting, inspection, and burial operations.

Didier Dillard, President of Orange Marine and Elettra TLC, said, “The aging of the cable ship fleet is a major concern for all players in the submarine cable industry. Building these new ships will enable Orange Marine and Elettra to have the most modern fleet in the world, serving all our clients globally, with an optimized environmental footprint.”

NEC XON powers Africa’s Super Wi-Fi leap

Technology

NEC XON, a leading African ICT solutions integrator and subsidiary of Japan’s NEC Corporation, has introduced Super Wi-Fi, an advanced long-range wireless technology built specifically for industrial and large-scale outdoor applications

Across Africa, industries continue to struggle with Wi-Fi connectivity gaps. From expansive mining operations and ports to major construction sites and remote energy facilities, many of these locations extend far beyond the reach of fibre or LTE networks.

Traditional meshed Wi-Fi systems often prove too expensive and inefficient to cover vast industrial areas, while latency issues hinder real-time machine operation and monitoring. Super Wi-Fi addresses these issues by providing coverage up to ten times greater than conventional Wi-Fi, ensuring robust, low-latency connectivity even in complex, remote environments.

Solving traditional connectivity barriers

“Many heavy industrial NEC XON customers struggle with traditional Wi-Fi due to range, latency, and interference,” explained Willem Wentzel, senior architect at NEC XON. “Now we can offer them Super Wi-Fi, which overcomes those barriers. It’s built with intelligent antenna technology and advanced radio algorithms that mitigate noise and extend coverage, delivering high throughput and low latency. In ideal circumstances this extends across multiple kilometres but for more real-world environments we find the effective range is 900m to 1.3km.”

Unlike LTE, which requires costly licensed spectrum and agreements with mobile operators, Super Wi-Fi operates in unlicensed bands, making it faster to deploy and more cost-effective for private industrial use.

“Each base station can cover hundreds of metres to several kilometres, connecting customer premises equipment (CPE) units across mining pits, port terminals, or remote field offices,” added Bernadette George, NEC XON presales: 4G, 5G and oRAN Ecosystem Connect and Access.

The technology also features 8×8 MIMO smart antennas, dual-band operation across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and lower 6 GHz, and rugged IP67-rated enclosures, with explosion-proof variants available for oil and gas environments. Through centralised cloud management, Super Wi-Fi supports configuration, analytics, and proactive maintenance, integrating seamlessly with critical services such as CCTV, cybersecurity, and analytics to provide a unified view of site operations and safety.

Proven global deployments

Super Wi-Fi has already demonstrated its potential globally. In Senegal, the technology reduced required access sites by 90% in a citywide deployment, earning the “Connecting West Africa” award. It has also proven successful across industrial terminals in Malaysia and large warehouses in Mexico and India.

According to Wentzel, simplicity and scalability are key advantages. “It’s easy to install, requires far fewer access points than traditional networks, and integrates cleanly into existing infrastructure. The result is lower total cost of ownership and better operational continuity, especially in sectors where downtime isn’t an option.”

Now rolling out across African industries, from mining and ports to utilities, construction, and banking, Super Wi-Fi is set to redefine connectivity for industrial operations. As Wentzel concluded, “Super Wi-Fi is not just about better connectivity. It’s about enabling safer, more efficient, and more intelligent operations across Africa’s most challenging environments.”

African Review
Liebherr
Terrapinn Middle East FZ LLC

  • In the final webinar of its African Review-hosted 2023 campaign, Convergent Group explored its modern, eco-friendly concrete solutions for African projects

    Such solutions – delivered to cut maintenance costs by eliminating hazardous silicate products – were showcased by company experts in the form of Jean-Claude Biard, SEO of Convergent Group SA; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent Group SA and founder of Bondeko MB (exclusive distributor of Convergent Group in Africa); Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group (Spanish distributor for Convergent Group); and Amritpal Singh Sura, external consultant for flooring treatments, former distributor of Convergent products in the Middle East.

    “A number of projects we were doing in the Middle East required protection,” remarked Sura. “Longevity of protection requires a system which basically impregnates and becomes a densified surface as opposed to something which is topical and lifts off due to moisture migration. I found that being exposed to Convergent, it was important to stay focused on those systems in the Middle East. Jean-Claude, Mputu and I met several times in Dubai and there was emphasis on providing systems which were affordable and still ending up having a robust, lasting longevity of product. So you are not spending money all the time in order to maintain the finishes which you have already paid for.”

    Over the course of the session, the participants guided the audience through the potential of cutting-edge lithium silicate technology for enhancing the protection of concrete surfaces, maximising cost-effectiveness and meeting sustainability targets. 

  • In a comprehensive webinar hosted by African Review, a panel of professionals associated with Convergent Group explored new generation lithium silicate technology and why it is emerging as the optimum solution for concrete floor protection.

    Robert Daniels, editor of African Review, was joined by Jean-Claude Biard, CEO of Convergent Group; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent and founder of Bondeko MB, an exclusive distributor of Convergent; Hicham Sofyani, president of Texol; Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group; and Marc Puig, commercial manager of Comace Import.

    Each providing a unique angle, the panellists combined to provide a masterclass around concrete treatments and the increasing challenges around them, explaining to attendees how to choose the right formula for their requirements and touching on issues such as why lithium densifiers are better than sodium and potassium densifiers. 

    Throughout the session, those watching were treated to informative case studies showcasing how Convergent eco-friendly products are increasing abrasion resistance, raising ease of maintenance, and ensuring the highest quality gloss retention. 

    By the end of the webinar, a majority of attendees (many of which had not had much experience with Convergent) expressed their interest in using the company’s new generation lithium silicate technology with the rest indicating their desire to learn more about Convergent and its products. Watch the webinar, in full, to discover why viewers were convinced and learn more about advanced floor care solutions for your operations.

  • Presenting on an African Review-hosted webinar, Martin Provencher, global industry principal for mining, metals and materials at AVEVA, explored the digital transformation of mining operations and its impact on sustainability.

    “Sustainability is becoming a key aspect for mining operations,” remarked Provencher. “If we look at the latest EY research on the top ten business risks and opportunities for mining and metals globally in 2023, ESG remains at the top. Of course, most companies have environmental goals or are expected to reach a net zero emission by 2050, which is a pretty aggressive target. Many of them are targeting 30% reduction by 2030; seven years from now. So there is a lot of action that needs to take place quickly to get there. It is possible to get there, but we need to make sure we are doing this correctly.”

    Fast becoming a huge part of ESG initiatives is fleet electrification where particular progress is being made in underground mines. While some countries are certainly more advanced than others here, Provencher noted that 40% of total emissions from the mining industry come from diesel trucks, making EVs a very attractive low-hanging fruit for companies to pursue. 

    There are, however, a number of challenges associated with bringing in electric vehicles which remains a barrier for introduction. One of the predominant reasons, is the limited range of EVs against diesel counterparts. To mitigate this, Provencher continued, data management is key and ensuring a strong grasp of real-time information coming in will show operators when machinery needs to be charged, allowing them to plan effectively for maximum efficiency on site.  

    Indeed, this is but a small advantage that digitalisation can bring to the mining industry as it grapples to meet ESG goals while achieving production targets. By getting a better grip of their data and using it to empower tools such as artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and machine learning, companies can achieve tangible benefits such as reduce downtime, enhance worker safety, cut operating costs and, of course, ensure compliance with environmental regulations and targets. 

    Through the course of the webinar, Provencher outlined this in more detail and explored AVEVA’s suite of cutting-edge software solutions, specifically designed to help mining companies make progress on their digitalisation journey and empower their operations. 

    Watch the full webinar, completed with detailed case studies and an insightful Q&A session.

  • Convergent, in association with African Review, has held a detailed webinar exploring the usage and effectiveness of lithium silicates and densifiers over traditional methods of concrete surface management which often struggle to meet the increasing challenges posed by concrete surface management.

    Convergent experts including Mputu Schmidt, CEO of Convergent; Carlos Garcia, product manager end-user solutions, construction chemicals, Spain and Portugal for the RD Group; Matteo Mozzarelli, CEO of concrete Solutions Italia; and Jean-Claude Biard, global senior executive for the Convergent Group, presented across the session. 

    Together, they delved into the latest cost-effective application methods for long lasting finishing of concrete that can help reduce maintenance costs and avoid unexpected repair action. In addition, they examined the advancements in technologies that can sustain increased abrasion resistant stains and ensure gloss retention to the highest quality. 

    As part of the webinar, the representatives explored case studies including a case in DRC where a medical centre had been constructed with a low-quality concrete floor. The customer was considering completely replacing the floor but instead, Convergent put forward a special treatment with its 244+ Pentra-Sil lithium hardener, densifier and sealer. With this solution, Convergent can increase the hardness of a surface by up to 40% and therefore saved the customer significant recuperation costs over a complete replacement. Convergent were happy to report that the solution was perfect for the facility and the customer was pleased to avoid the extra construction work that would have been required for a complete replacement. 

    Watch the full webinar, including more information about Convergent’s innovative solutions.

Top Stories

Grid List

Energy

New collaboration secures reliable power for teaching, research and healthcare while paving the way for clean energy integration. (Image source: Solarise Africa)

Energy

The University of Cape Town (UCT), in partnership with Solarise Africa, ACES Africa, and WEG, has inaugurated the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences Backup Power Project at its Health Sciences Campus in Observatory

The initiative aims to ensure continuous power for critical healthcare, research, and academic operations while laying the groundwork for future renewable energy integration.

In its first phase, the project introduces a 2.4 MVA Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) providing 4 MWh of storage capacity, complemented by 1.5 MVA of WEG generators. A centralised PPC/SCADA-based control system manages coordination between battery, generator, and upcoming solar components. Phase 2, now under design, will include a 171.6 kWp solar PV system projected to offset around 230 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually once functional.

Sakkie van Wijk, co-founder and chief operating officer of Solarise Africa, stated that the project embodies the firm’s mission: “Reliable energy is not a luxury, it’s critical infrastructure. With this partnership, we are safeguarding healthcare, research, and education today, while building towards a sustainable energy future.”

“Ensuring uninterrupted operations and energy resilience across our medical campus is a strategic priority,” said Avi Dhevdath, acting director: programme management at UCT.

“This initiative strengthens the campus’s ability to sustain critical research and teaching activities, guaranteeing operational continuity and supporting UCT’s pursuit of resilience, excellence, and world-class infrastructure.”

UCT is also aligning its resilience goals with climate responsibility. “This project delivers both reliability and carbon reduction,” remarked Manfred Braune, director of environmental sustainability at UCT.

“By coupling backup with solar readiness, we reduce emissions while strengthening our resilience, precisely the kind of forward-looking investment UCT must make.”

For EPC partner ACES Africa, the project is a demonstration of practical engineering expertise.

Charl Gous, CEO of ACES Africa, commented, “At ACES, we engineer solutions you can trust. This project is a landmark in delivering resilient energy systems for critical African institutions.”

WEG South Africa, responsible for designing, manufacturing, and integrating the medium-voltage systems, substations, generators, and Energy Management System (EMS), highlighted the synergy between durability and sustainability. “Our role was to build a robust electrical backbone that meets today’s energy security needs while enabling tomorrow’s renewable integration,” concluded Eduardo Werninghaus, CEO of WEG Africa.

The partnership exemplifies a resilience-led approach with flexibility for renewable upgrades, reflecting a collective vision for energy reliability, institutional sustainability, and climate-conscious infrastructure.

Rolls-Royce, Forsee Power advance industrial electrification. (Image source: Rolls-Royce)

New data mining facility for Addis Ababa

Construction

Volvo Construction Equipment introduces a redesigned generation of articulated haulers with improved performance, safety, and comfort. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Construction

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has raised the bar with its new generation of articulated haulers

This latest lineup not only updates seven existing models from the A25 to A60 class but also introduces a powerful new addition – the 45-ton A50. Designed to move more material efficiently, reduce operating costs, and tackle the toughest terrains, these next-generation haulers bring a fresh mix of innovation, durability, and operator comfort.

1. Modern redesign

The new haulers feature a sleek exterior built for both performance and endurance. A re-engineered frame and body design allow materials to be dropped further away, reducing the need for additional equipment. An optional overhung tailgate with extended arms provides a wider opening for faster dumping. Inside, operators benefit from improved comfort with customisable settings, low noise levels, extra storage, and options like a cool or heat box and premium seating. Connectivity has also been upgraded with Bluetooth, USB sockets, four speakers, and a built-in microphone.

2. Enhanced safety and visibility

A repositioned door entrance and spacious platform make access safer and easier. Added safety railings, focused lighting, and improved cab panels enhance both protection and visibility. The haulers exceed industry standards with wider wiper coverage and clearer sightlines. Optional front and rear cameras, pillar work lights, and a standard entrance camera further improve operator awareness. Windshield cleaning is safer too, with harness anchor points inside the cab.

3. Simplified servicing

Servicing is easier and less frequent, with longer intervals and improved access to critical components. Maintenance points are reachable from the ground, and daily or weekly greasing is no longer necessary thanks to 250-hour greasing intervals. Volvo’s engine oil and high-performance filters support 1,000-hour engine service intervals, cutting lifetime oil and filter usage by half.

4. Incredible performance

These haulers are engineered for power and endurance, featuring reinforced axles built to handle heavier loads and higher torque. Volvo’s exclusive drivetrain with Terrain Memory optimises traction on slippery surfaces, ensuring stability and reducing wear. Enhanced braking and retarder systems, including the Volvo engine brake, downhill speed control, and wet brakes on all wheels, further boost performance and safety.

5. Best-in-class controls

Operators can manage functions with ease through the Volvo Co-Pilot, which controls media, camera settings, climate, and machine status. A dynamic instrument cluster positioned in front of the steering wheel provides clear, real-time data. With ergonomic gear levers designed for smooth shifting and reduced strain, Volvo’s haulers deliver a superior driving experience throughout long shifts.

Volvo CE’s new articulated haulers redefine productivity and operator comfort, setting a new standard for performance in modern construction and mining operations.

Learn more about Volvo’s articulated haulers and see how they can make your workday easier and more productive.

 
 

LANDCROS ushers in smart construction era. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Turner & Townsend partners with Everstrong Capital to deliver Africa’s largest PPP road project with global best practices. (Image source: Turner & Townsend)

Mining

Site geotechnical studies and piling works at Nyanza Light Metals in South Africa. (Image source: Nyanza Light Metals)

Mining

South Africa-based Nyanza Light Metals Pty Ltd (Nyanza) is to get US$75mn in funding from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) for the development, construction and operation of an 80,000-tonnes-per-year titanium dioxide pigment manufacturing plant and supporting infrastructure within the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone
 
The aim is to boost industrialisation in Africa through local value addition to the continent’s abundant titanium mineral resources.
 
Titanium dioxide is a crucial pigment used across numerous industries, including paints and coatings, food processing, cosmetics and medical applications.
 
Manufacturers both in South Africa and across the rest of the region rely almost entirely on costly imports.
 
Nyanza’s project is intended to change this by producing titanium dioxide locally, contributing to import substitution and positioning Africa within the global titanium dioxide value chain.
 
“AfDB’s approval marks a pivotal moment, not just for Nyanza, but for Africa’s industrial future,” said Nyanza president and CEO, Donovan Chimhandamba.
 
“This endorsement affirms our mission to lead mineral beneficiation and positions Nyanza as a driver of inclusive industrialisation.”
 
Africa has long exported raw minerals, only to import back high-value finished products made from those same resources, at a premium, according to Chimhandamba.
 
“This cycle has constrained industrial growth and limited the continent’s ability to fully benefit from its natural wealth. With AfDB’s support, we are changing that by building a world-class titanium beneficiation complex to process African minerals locally for global markets.”
 
The bank’s contribution forms part of a syndicated funding package arranged by the Africa Finance Corporation and the African Export-Import Bank, serving as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners.
 
The AfDB’s support also includes US$25mn from the Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF), a co-financing initiative between the AfDB and the People’s Bank of China.
 
A key focus of the Bank’s funding is job creation: the Nyanza project is expected to generate more than 2,400 domestic jobs during construction, around 30% of which will be reserved for women and 30% for youth, as part of efforts to reduce unemployment in South Africa.
 
“This investment reflects the African Development Bank's commitment to driving Africa’s industrial transformation and changing Africa’s narrative from a continent that is heavily dependent on raw material exports to one that is globally recognized as a prominent player in domestic value-addition to its natural resources,” said Solomon Quaynor, AfDB’s vice president for private sector, infrastructure and industrialisation.
 
“By supporting Nyanza to invest in infrastructure and local natural resources beneficiation, we are contributing to changing Africa’s old paradigm of exporting low-value raw materials while relying heavily on importing finished products; we are building an industrial economy that will create inclusive opportunities for millions of people across the continent.”
 
Read more:
 
 
 
 

Hitachi powering change in South Africa's mines. (Image source: Hitachi)

Construction of road to Tulu Kapi in 2025. (Image source: KEFI) 

Logistics

Powering trade through maritime corridors

Logistics

Comoros has launched its ‘maritime corridor’ project after receiving financial support from a range of multilateral donors, including US$137mn from the African Development Bank (AfDB)

The project aims to modernise port infrastructure that is essential to the economic development of the islands of the Comoros, facilitate trade and strengthen regional connectivity, the AfDB noted in a statement.

Specifically, it aims to boost capacity and efficiency of the ports of Moroni and Boingoma to meet current and future needs, reduce transport costs and facilitate inter-island and regional trade.

The hope is that it will enable the Indian Ocean archipelago to capitalise on its strategic geographical position in the Mozambique Channel and become a logistics hub between Africa and Asia.

The island chain is situated between the northern coast of Mozambique and the north-west coast of Madagascar.

“The maritime corridor we are launching today is an eloquent testimony to our ability to build a resilient nation, fully integrated into regional and continental dynamics,” said President of the Union of the Comoros, Azali Assoumani, at a launch event in Moroni, the capital.

“It is a living symbol of our openness to the world, a bridge between people, a vehicle for trade, cooperation and shared prosperity.”

Other partners supporting the scheme include the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the French Development Agency, the European Union and the European Investment Bank, which together have provided a further US$110mn in additional funding.

The Global Centre for Adaptation has also provided support for the assessment of climate risks to port infrastructure and adaptation options to be considered in the design of the structures.

An AfDB official said the maritime corridor — the flagship project of the Comoros Emerging Plan 2030 — will contribute to developing ‘value chains’ in agriculture and fisheries, while creating economic opportunities for young people and women.

Since the beginning of its cooperation with Comoros in 1977, AfDB has financed nearly 40 projects and initiatives worth US$530mn, across sectors including transport, energy, agriculture and governance.

Comorian Minister of Maritime and Air Transport, Yasmine Hassane Alfeine, thanked the bank and other lenders for their support.

“We are taking a new step in the modernisation of our port and maritime infrastructure, with the prospect of creating a special economic zone.”

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Enhancing trade efficiency and digital transparency across East Africa. (Image source: DP World)

Orange Marine expands its eco-efficient fleet with two cutting-edge vessels to secure and modernise global subsea networks. (Image source: Orange Marine)

Finance

Afreximbank leads US$1.35bn facility in US$4bn syndication to strengthen Dangote’s refinery operations and growth

Finance

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the signing of a US$1.35bn financing facility for Dangote Industries Limited (DIL)

This forms part of a larger approximately US$4bn syndicated financing arrangement for DIL, Africa’s largest industrial conglomerate, with Afreximbank acting as the Mandated Lead Arranger for the syndication.

This transaction — one of the largest syndicated loans in recent African financial markets — will be used to refinance capital invested in the construction of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex, the world’s largest single-train refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. The financing will reduce initial operational expenditures, strengthen DIL’s balance sheet, and support its ongoing growth.

Afreximbank’s contribution of US$1.35bn, the largest share among participating banks, highlights its commitment to major infrastructure projects that drive Africa’s industrialisation, energy security, and intra-African trade.

Since the refinery complex commenced operations in February 2024, Afreximbank has continued to provide financial support for crude supply and product offtake, ensuring smooth operations and reinforcing its role in Africa’s most significant refining project.

Commenting on the deal, Benedict Oramah, president & chairman of the board of directors at Afreximbank, said, “With this landmark deal, we once again demonstrate that Africa’s development can only be meaningfully financed from within. It is only when African institutions lead the way that others can follow. The journey to utilise African resources for its own economic transformation is well underway. Through the Bank’s funding support, we are enhancing the capacity of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Ltd to produce and supply high quality refined petroleum products to the Nigerian market, as well as for export to the entire continent and the world. Our energy security is in sight.”

Aliko Dangote, CEO, Dangote Industries Limited, added, “Afreximbank’s contribution to this milestone financing underscores our shared vision to industrialise Africa from within. This refinancing strengthens our balance sheet and accelerates with ease the refinery’s suppy of high-quality refined petroleum products across Africa.”

The syndicated facility attracted strong interest from major African and international financial institutions, reflecting confidence in Africa’s industrial growth and in Dangote’s vision for transforming the continent.

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Manufacturing

FLS strengthens Delmas site as a global polyurethane hub. (Image source: FLS)

Manufacturing

FLS has completed a significant upgrade to its polyurethane manufacturing facility in Delmas, Mpumalanga, positioning the site as a key global hub for the production of its advanced NexGen wear-resistant material

This development forms part of a wider modernisation programme by FLS, aimed at strengthening supply chains, increasing manufacturing efficiency and enhancing
sustainability across its global footprint.

Brad Shepherd, director service line - screen and feeder consumables at FLS, said the investment at Delmas aligns with the company’s global strategy to standardise and optimise production processes.

“This is a milestone for us,” commented Shepherd. “We are integrating cutting edge technology and modern manufacturing methodologies across all our polyurethane plants, and Delmas is leading the way. The upgrade enables us to respond more quickly and reliably to customer needs across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.”

The centrepiece of the upgrade is the introduction of purpose-built infrastructure to produce NexGen screen media - a polyurethane material developed by FLS to deliver extended wear life, reduced maintenance and improved operational efficiency. In on-site trials, screen panels made from NexGen have demonstrated up to three times the wear life of conventional rubber and polyurethane products, making it a gamechanger for industries that rely on high performance screening solutions.

Warren Walker, head of global manufacturing - polyurethane operations at FLS, explained that Delmas is the first of the company’s five global polyurethane plants to complete this transition. “We have installed new, latest generation polyurethane machines, precision tooling and dedicated preheating ovens for inserts,” he said. “This allows us to significantly increase our output while ensuring consistent quality.”

The facility now includes two trommel screen media stations and three screen media stations, each tailored to produce NexGen products. One of the standout technologies introduced is a programmable auto- calibrating polyurethane machine capable of adjusting material hardness to suit
specific applications.

“The flexibility to produce varying hardness levels is critical,” Walker noted. “It means we can tailor our screen media precisely to the customer’s application, ensuring optimum performance and longevity.”

To complement this, a high capacity polyurethane machine capable of pouring up to 42 kg per minute is in operation at the facility. This system is particularly suited to applications requiring large volume pours, such as flotation spare parts and vertical mill components.

The Delmas facility already benefited from a significant upgrade in 2019, when a state-of-the-art six-axis machining centre was introduced for tooling precision, along with robotic welding systems for manufacturing screen media panel inserts and a CNC controlled spiral welding machine to produce wedge wire products. The latest round of investments builds on this foundation and brings the facility to the forefront of global polyurethane production capability.

Energy efficiency was a key consideration in the new layout and equipment design. “We have incorporated smart energy saving features like individual temperature control on each casting table station,” Walker remarked. “This avoids the need to heat large surface areas unnecessarily and contributes to our carbon reduction goals.”

Further supporting these goals is the installation of 300 kW of solar generation capacity at the Delmas site, completed in 2024. Plans are already in place to expand this by another 500 kW in 2026, along with the integration of a battery energy storage system (BESS), enabling greater energy independence and resilience.

FLS’s offering from Delmas extends beyond screen media manufacturing. The facility is equipped to handle the complete fabrication of vibrating screens, from raw material processing and in-house machining to assembly and factory acceptance testing. This vertical integration allows the company to deliver customised solutions with tighter control over quality and lead times.

Shepherd emphasises that FLS operates both as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and a screen media specialist, supplying screen panels for all types and brands of vibrating screens, feeders and trommel screens.

“We don’t just supply products,” he said. “We work closely with our customers through our network of on-the-ground specialists to assess site conditions and select the best screening media for their specific needs.”

He notes that many older processing plants are treating materials that differ from their original design specifications. In these cases, screen efficiency can often only be improved by optimising the screen media. “This is where NexGen makes a real difference,” Shepherd commented. “Combined with the correct aperture design, it allows customers to get more life and better performance from their screens.”

Unlike injection-moulded polyurethane, which can compromise the structural integrity of screen panels, FLS’s proprietary process retains superior mechanical properties, resulting in a tougher more durable product. “We have never used injection moulding because it reduces the quality of the end product,” Shepherd explained. “Our process delivers a product that stands up to the toughest operating conditions and offers lasting value.”

Walker adds that the expansion at Delmas not only supports FLS’s global operations but also contributes meaningfully to the South African economy. “Our commitment to local manufacturing is evident in the scale of our investment and the jobs we have created,” he said. “We have expanded our workforce, prioritised local recruitment and significantly grown our apprenticeship programme.”

A strong focus has also been placed on developing female artisans. In 2024, six women from the local community were recruited into a three year trade apprenticeship programme, receiving training in welding, fitting and boilermaking.

“Our investment during a period of economic uncertainty underlines FLS’s long term commitment to South Africa and to our customers in the broader EMEA region,” said Walker. “We are not just building products – we are building skills, opportunities and partnerships that will power sustainable growth for years to come.”

the partnership aims to accelerate the transformation of West Africa’s manufacturing landscape. (Image source: RusselSmith)

Brady Corporation empowers panel builders with durable, compliant, and efficient labelling systems for electrical clarity. (Image source: Brady Corporation)

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