Construction

Volvo electric trucks surpass 250,000 km in South Africa

Volvo Trucks South Africa marks 250,000 km milestone as customer-operated electric trucks accelerate sustainable freight transport. (Image source: Volvo)

Volvo Trucks South Africa has marked a major milestone in its electromobility journey, with its customer-operated electric truck fleet surpassing 250,000 km since the vehicles were first introduced to the local market in 2023

The achievement highlights the growing adoption of battery-electric trucks across a range of commercial transport applications.

The fleet has been operating in diverse environments, helping customers reduce emissions while gaining first-hand experience in electric transport operations. The milestone was achieved using Volvo's current generation of heavy-duty electric truck models.

"While a quarter of a million kilometres may seem modest compared with the more than 400 million already accumulated by Volvo electric trucks globally, it represents a significant achievement in the South African context, where the majority of Volvo electric trucks are operating on shorter-route and urban distribution applications," said Eric Parry, senior manager sustainable solutions at Volvo Trucks South Africa.

Across the customer fleet, the vehicles are averaging approximately 2,000 km per month, while the highest-utilisation trucks consistently record around 10,000 km per month. Average energy consumption across the fleet stands at 1.77 kWh/km, covering a range of applications from eight-tonne 4x2 trucks carrying payloads of five to seven tonnes to 6x4 tractor units hauling interlink trailers with payloads exceeding 32 tonnes.

The milestone reflects customers' confidence in Volvo Trucks' electric mobility solutions and demonstrates that battery-electric trucks can reliably support everyday commercial transport operations.

Reflecting on the progress, Parry said, "Our customers have embraced this technology with a willingness to learn, adapt and pioneer new ways of operating. Reaching a quarter of a million kilometres is not only a testament to the capability of the trucks, but also to the commitment of the customers and drivers who are making this achievement possible."

The operational data collected over the past two years has also provided valuable insights into charging strategies, vehicle utilisation, uptime requirements and driver experience under real-world South African operating conditions.

All customer fleets currently charge their electric trucks either at depots or loading and off-loading facilities using their own charging infrastructure. Depending on operational requirements, customers utilise a combination of overnight slow charging and fast top-up charging.

"One of the most satisfying aspects of this journey has been seeing electric trucks move from being a future concept, to becoming part of everyday transport operations," said Parry. "Every kilometre travelled helps build confidence in the technology and strengthens the business case for broader adoption."

To support fleet operators, Volvo Trucks provides specialised dealer and workshop services for electric vehicles, including real-time battery pack monitoring, dedicated 24/7 roadside assistance and range prediction tools.

Next-generation electric trucks on the horizon

Building on the experience gained to date, Volvo Trucks South Africa is preparing to introduce its next generation of electric trucks later this year. The new models will offer longer operating ranges and additional power options, enabling electric transport solutions to be deployed across an even wider range of applications.

"The trucks currently operating in South Africa are laying an important foundation for what comes next. With increased range and capability on the horizon, we are excited about the opportunities the next generation of electric trucks will bring," explained Parry.

As more fleet operators begin adopting battery-electric transport, Volvo Trucks South Africa views the 250,000 km achievement as an important step in the country's transition towards cleaner commercial mobility.

"While a quarter of a million kilometres is an important milestone, it is what those kilometres represent that matters most: growing customer confidence, valuable operational experience, and a foundation for the next generation of electric transport," said Parry.

Zenitaka signs Uganda Karuma Bridge contract

Uganda to get new Karuma Bridge (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Japan’s Zenitaka Corporation has signed a contract with Uganda for the new Karuma Bridge project

The new bridge will replace the existing ageing structure and is expected to improve transport and trade links to northern Uganda, South Sudan, and the wider region.

Groundbreaking works are scheduled for September 2026, with civil construction works expected to commence the following month.

The contract was signed in Tokyo recently by Osamu Tanabe on behalf of Zenitaka Corporation, the main contractor for the project, and Isaac Wani, Commissioner for National Roads at Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport.

The signing followed the issuance of the Notice of Award by the Ministry of Works and Transport to Zenitaka Corporation as the most responsive and successful bidder for the civil works.

Zenitaka Corporation, which will work alongside Oriental Consultants Global, the project consultants, previously delivered the Jinja Nile Bridge under Japanese funding.

Speaking at the Tokyo event, Wani highlighted the strategic importance of the new Karuma Bridge in restoring safe and efficient movement along the Kampala-Gulu highway.

He noted that the bridge will strengthen regional connectivity, support trade and investment, improve access to essential services, and enhance the resilience of Uganda’s national transport network.

Wani also expressed appreciation to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japanese government for their continued support through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Grant Aid programme, which has enabled the implementation of key infrastructure projects, including the new Karuma Bridge.

Tophace Kaahwa, Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, described Japan’s support as a “clear demonstration of the strong and cordial bilateral relations between Uganda and Japan.”

She also emphasised the need to further consolidate the partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries.

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Caterpillar showcases smarter quarry technology solutions

Caterpillar drives digital innovation at Málaga technology showcase. (Image source: Caterpillar)

Caterpillar has brought together more than 400 customers and dealers from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa for its fourth Construction and Quarry Technology Days, held at the Caterpillar Demonstration & Learning Centre in Málaga, Spain

The two-week event welcomed representatives from 15 Cat dealers to explore the company's latest technologies and their practical applications across construction and quarrying operations.

The programme began with opening remarks from Kristin Gaskill, Caterpillar vice-president of technology in Construction Industries, followed by a live product demonstration focused on technology-driven solutions. Over the following days, attendees participated in guided sessions across five dedicated technology areas, allowing them to see how these solutions perform in real-world conditions and how they can be integrated into their own projects.

Gaskill highlighted Caterpillar's ongoing commitment to advancing digital transformation within the industry.

"Our focus is clear: accelerating technology and digital adoption to deliver measurable outcomes for our customers."

"This week in Málaga is a powerful example of how Caterpillar and Cat Dealers are working together to solve customer challenges using technology & digital solutions in the dirt and back office. Our goal is to ensure technology is easy to buy, easy to use and delivers value at scale. Ultimately, we’re here to help customers unlock new and different business outcomes by partnering with them for long-term success on the job site."

Throughout the event, Caterpillar demonstrated a range of technologies designed to address critical operational priorities. Featured solutions included Better Data for Better Decisions, Perfecting Payload, Safer Jobsites, Remote Site Control with Cat Command, and Cat 2D and 3D Grade technologies.

Together, these technologies are intended to help customers improve productivity, enhance jobsite safety and simplify operations while addressing one of the industry's ongoing challenges: attracting and retaining skilled equipment operators.

Now in its fourth edition, Construction and Quarry Technology Days continues to serve as a platform for strengthening collaboration between Caterpillar, its dealer network and customers across the region.

The event also provides opportunities for customers to exchange experiences, learn from industry peers and gain greater confidence in implementing new technologies. With support from the global Cat dealer network, participants can better understand how to scale digital solutions across their operations.

As digitalisation continues to reshape the construction and quarrying sectors, the Málaga event demonstrates Caterpillar's focus on helping customers transform data, connectivity and automation into measurable operational and business benefits.

Abidjan-Lagos highway project comes into focus

Nigeria, Ivory Coast megaproject shapes up (Image source: Adobe Stock)

A new figurehead has been appointed to drive forward the development of the proposed US$15bn Abidjan-Lagos highway megaproject

The board of directors of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Management Authority (ALCoMA) recently appointed Beninois finance expert Wilfried Lauriano do Rego as board chairman for a two-year term, at its inaugural meeting in Nigeria.

The 1,081 km Abidjan-Lagos Corridor represents one of Africa’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.

It entails the construction of a six-lane supranational highway linking the capitals and major economic centres of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria, while integrating trade and transport facilitation, value chain development and logistics components.

Do Rego’s appointment is in accordance with an intergovernmental agreement, which provides for alphabetical rotation among member states starting with Benin.

Jacques Ayadji, also from Benin, automatically assumes the role of vice-chairperson.

The ALCoMA meeting also outlined actions needed to drive forward the corridor’s medium- and long-term transformation.

The project is expected to become a major driver of economic and industrial development in West Africa by 2030.

The ECOWAS Commission, the African Development Bank Group, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), the West African Development Bank (BOAD) are currently working together with other partners to mobilise financing.

Various interim subcommittees were also formed during the recent Lagos meetings, including a finance committe, to support ALCoMA in mobilising funding for the highway.

The ALCoMA board also called on other development partners, including the European Union and the World Bank, to support the construction of the road scheme and ALCoMA’s operations.

It also welcomed the AfDB’s ongoing discussions to mobilise catalytic capital of US$500mn and other resources from across the region.

“These resources will be complemented by other bank group financial instruments, including viability gap financing; partial risk and credit guarantees for local-currency bonds; non-sovereign operations, and climate finance through the Global Center on Adaptation partnership (GCA),” an AfDB statement read.

GCA brings together governments, banks and private sector to accelerate climate adaptation projects and mobilise financing.

The AfDB has already provided US$25mn in technical assistance for the project’s preparatory phase.

With feasibility studies completed, theproject now enters its investment phase, paving the way for the construction of a six-lane transnational motorway.

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DEVELON launches new excavator for emerging markets

HD Construction Equipment launches a new 20-ton DEVELON excavator to strengthen its Middle East and Africa market presence. (Image source: HD Construction Equipment)

HD Construction Equipment is accelerating its expansion across the Middle East and Africa by introducing a new 20-ton class DEVELON excavator tailored for emerging market requirements

Developed at its Indian production facility, the machine combines competitive pricing with enhanced performance and durability, enabling the company to address evolving customer demands while strengthening its position in highly competitive markets.

HD Construction Equipment recently hosted a launch event for the new excavator at its production subsidiary in Pune, India, with participation from major dealers representing key Middle Eastern markets, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Oman.

The newly unveiled 20-ton class excavator has been developed to meet the requirements of emerging markets, where this equipment category remains a major segment of demand. Designed with price-sensitive customers in mind, the model delivers cost competitiveness through an efficient production approach and economies of scale achieved at the company’s Indian manufacturing facility.

While focusing on affordability, HD Construction Equipment has also enhanced the machine’s functionality and durability to ensure reliable operation in local working environments. The company expects the new excavator to compete with cost-focused solutions being introduced by global construction equipment manufacturers seeking to expand their presence in emerging economies.

During the launch event, HD Construction Equipment demonstrated the capabilities of the new model while showcasing the production strength and quality standards of its Indian plant to Middle Eastern dealers. The facility has recently expanded its annual production capacity to 9,000 units to support increasing demand from international markets.

The Indian plant currently manufactures Hyundai-branded equipment and has also begun producing DEVELON machines as part of HD Construction Equipment’s strategy to strengthen its global manufacturing network. The company aims to establish an annual production capacity of 12,000 units at the facility by 2030, further positioning India as a key export hub.

According to UK-based construction equipment research firm Off-Highway Research, the excavator market across the Middle East and Africa is expected to maintain steady growth, reaching approximately 23,000 units by 2030. This projected expansion presents new opportunities for manufacturers offering equipment suited to regional operating conditions and customer requirements.

A representative from HD Construction Equipment stated, "The 20-ton class DEVELON excavator will compete not only on simple cost-effectiveness but as a 'value-for-money' product, based on core performance optimised for the field, robust quality, and differentiated services. Using our Indian plant—which has grown into a global export hub—as a base, we will expand our sales channels in fiercely competitive emerging markets."