Construction

Lafarge Africa is a leading producer of building materials and construction solutions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Holcim, a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, has agreed to sell its shareholding in Lafarge Africa

Holcim currently holds an 83.81% shareholding in Lafarge Africa PLC, a Nigerian-based producer of building materials and construction solutions. The entirety of this will be sold to Huaxin Cement at an equity value of US$1bn on a 100% basis.

Subject to customary and regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in 2025 and will mark Holcim’s exit from its Nigerian business. This is reportedly in line with its new strategy of streamlining its portfolio and focusing on high-growth regions.

For China-based Huaxin Cement, it marks yet another acquisition on the continent following recent high profile acquisitions. This includes, at the start of this year, the purchase of the South African operations of InterCement in a deal valued at around US$230mn.

It remains to be seen what impact this will have for Lafarge Africa, a company that has been making headlines in recent months by setting new standards in sustainable cement production.

The new marketplace was unveiled at bauma China (Image source: MYCRANE)

MYCRANE, a digital platform for online crane rental, has launched a new international marketplace at bauma China

Already established in markets such as India and the Middle East – with more than 1,500 registered crane rental companies – MYCRANE users and other interested parties around the world are now able to buy and sell used and new lifting equipment. This will promote a shift from low volume and costly trades to cost-efficient sales transactions.

Lifting equipment on sale on the platform includes mobile, crawler, tower and specialist cranes in addition to aerial work platforms and other equipment.

“Just as we’ve made crane rental easy and accessible for all, we now want to democratize the equipment sales process, by supporting fast, global trading and providing access to a wide range of keenly-priced equipment,” remarked Andrei Geikalo, MYCRANE founder and CEO.

“The MYCRANE Marketplace is particularly valuable to individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who will be empowered by the ability to source the right equipment at the right price – wherever they are, internationally. The goal is to streamline the buying process, increase transparency and choice, and create a robust trading platform for the benefit of the entire industry.”

MYCRANE has added that it is also able to offer logistics and transportation services, facilitating the sales process at customer sites anywhere in the world, as well as insurance and leasing to fund the purchase.

The Lintec CSD2500B ensures uninterrupted operations, and its modular construction delivers cost efficiencies and easy installation. (Image source: Lintec & Linnhoff)

A Lintec CSD2500B Containerised Asphalt Mixing Plant has been supporting Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) in its work on the New Dodoma Msalato International Airport in Tanzania

The project is aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and connectivity of Tanzania’s political capital and the wider East African region. Once fully operational, it is expected to accommodate 1.5 million passengers annually. With investment from the Tanzanian Government and a loan from the African Development Bank, construction is taking place in two phases. The first is focused on the runway and terminal, while the second will be implemented based on demand.

For its work on the project, POWERCHINA purchased the mixing plant from Lintec & Linnhoff which began production in September 2023. The plant has been helping to build key facilities since this time, including a new apron, taxiway, runway, and auxiliary roads.

Construction has also been underway on new hangars, terminals, firefighting units, electromechanical installations, and a new airfield tower. As a result of these efforts, the project has reportedly reached the halfway point and is expected to be completed by April 2025.

Excelling in Tanzania

The Lintec Containerised Asphalt Mixing Plants feature a modular construction that allows for easy transportation and convenient installation. The Lintec CSD2500B model has a capacity of 160 tph and a batch size of 1650/1600 kg.

Prioritising sustainability with pollution control units and optional recycling units, the design also ensures security with a central lockable access point and features convenient walkways along with staircases for easy maintenance. These are but some of the features that led to POWERCHINA purchasing the plant for the project – a decision that continued the company’s long-standing relationship with Lintec & Linnhoff having used it for a number of projects dating back to 2010.

“Several factors drove our decision to invest in the Lintec CSD2500B Containerised Asphalt Mixing Plant,” said a spokesperson from POWERCHINA. “Firstly, we prioritise safety and reliability in all our operations, and with Lintec & Linnhoff’s German-engineered equipment, we are confident in the highest standards of performance and quality. In addition, the Lintec CSD2500B’s containerised design ensures uninterrupted operations despite Tanzania’s challenging rainy seasons, while its modular construction delivers cost efficiency through low transport expenses and easy installation.”

In Kenya, a Linnhoff  TSD1500 Asphalt Mixing Plant has been proving its worth on rural road projects in Kenya. Click here to learn more

The concept of a smart city is a moving target. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Brian Civin, chief sales and marketing officer a AfriGIS, explains why geospatial data is the cornerstone of sustainable smart urban development

There is an increasing need for cities to become more efficient, sustainable, and liveable. Smart city initiatives explore how advanced technologies – such as data analytics, IoT, and artificial intelligence – can improve city operations and public services, reduce energy consumption, and enhance quality of life. They also support environmental sustainability, and create safer, more resilient communities in the face of challenges like climate
change and natural disasters.

With technology evolving rapidly, the idea of cities that can ‘think’ and ‘react’ to real-time data has become a feasible reality. However, there are numerous misconceptions and challenges that need addressing to move from theory to practice.

Urban planning

Geospatial data has long been essential in urban planning for optimising land use, infrastructure, and assessing risks like water flow. While traditional planning relies on this data, smart cities go further by integrating data-driven technologies into all aspects of urban life, though the concept of smart cities remains largely undefined and still evolving. Geospatial data is crucial in this context because it provides the foundational information needed to understand and manage the spatial dimensions of urban environments.

By integrating geospatial data, cities can optimise the placement and operation of resources like energy grids, water systems, and transport routes, leading to more efficient and sustainable urban planning. Plus, geospatial data enables real-time monitoring and management of services, supports emergency response and enhances decision-making processes by providing a detailed, location-based understanding of how different elements of a city interact.

Discover the full article in African Review November, available here