Cementir expands decarbonised cement portfolio. (Image source: Cementir Group)

Cementir Group has expanded its global decarbonisation efforts with the introduction of two lower-carbon white cement products under its D-Carb range

Produced in Egypt by Sinai White Cement Company, the new variants are now available across Middle East and Africa (MEA) markets.

The offerings include a Limestone Portland cement that meets CEM II/A-LL 52.5N EN197-1 requirements with an approximate 10% clinker reduction, and a CEM II/B-LL 42.5N option featuring around 20% clinker reduction when compared to the widely used Aalborg White CEM I 52.5R.

Designed to support industrial users in accelerating their decarbonisation pathways, the launch provides MEA customers with a practical shift toward lower-carbon construction materials without affecting performance, production efficiency or aesthetic outcomes.

“In 2024 and early 2025, we progressively introduced D-Carb products across Europe and APAC region, including Australia, where we have received positive feedback from diverse industry segments. We are pleased to see D-Carb enabling customers to meeting emerging low carbon requirements in building and urban infrastructure projects, while continuing to deliver the high performance and architecture aesthetics expected of white cement.” said Michele Di Marino, chief sales, marketing and commercial development officer of Cementir Group.

“Today, extending this portfolio to MEA with two tailored variants represents an important milestone in Cementir’s journey toward net-zero emissions by 2050. As the building and construction sectors worldwide increasingly prioritize decarbonization, these products reinforce our commitment to low-carbon solutions aligned with regional decarbonization targets.”

Stefano Zampaletta, Group Product and Solution Manager at Cementir Group, added, “The introduction of the two D-Carb® variants in MEA highlights our understanding of the diverse application requirements for lower-carbon materials in the region. Achieving reduced carbon footprints while maintaining the good standard of performance expected of white cement is a complex challenge, but these products demonstrate our capability to deliver both, supporting a shared ambition for sustainable construction across entire value chain.”

“MEA markets are rapidly embracing sustainability, and the arrival of D-Carb® positions us to lead this transition. By combining lower carbon emissions with the performance expected of white cement, we are setting a new benchmark and opening new opportunities for responsible construction in the region,” concluded Abdel Hamid Gadou, commercial director of Sinai White Cement. 

Rock Plant will represent Metso’s crushing and screening equipment, parts, and services in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Metso has signed a new distribution agreement with Rock Plant Ltd, a respected and long-standing dealer of major construction and quarrying machinery brands in East Africa

The partnership marks a strategic move aimed at expanding Metso’s footprint and accelerating its growth across the region.

Under the agreement, Rock Plant will distribute Metso’s crushing and screening equipment, along with related parts and services, in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

According to Ignacio Garcia, distribution manager, EMEA North at Metso, “East Africa represents one of the fastest-growing markets in Africa for aggregates and mining. To fully capture this potential, we wanted a partner with a strong local footprint, technical know-how, and a proven service capability. Rock Plant has a long track record in heavy equipment distribution, a solid presence across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and an experienced team deeply connected with the industry. This partnership allows Metso to strengthen its coverage, improve responsiveness, and ensure consistent customer support across the region.”

In these markets, customers are increasingly looking for dependable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-maintain machinery capable of operating in remote and challenging environments. Mobile and modular units are especially important due to the scattered nature of quarries and project locations.

Pritpal Roopra, managing director of Rock Plant, noted, “Partnering with Metso enables us to expand our portfolio with a world-class crushing and screening brand. This cooperation gives our customers access to industry-leading technology, backed by our local service and support network.”

Adam Benn, director of capital sales, EMEA North at Metso, added, “The cooperation combines Metso’s global technology leadership with Rock Plant’s local presence and service capability. Customers will benefit from faster response times, local spare parts availability, and professional support throughout the equipment lifecycle, from selection and commissioning to maintenance and upgrades. This means improved uptime, lower operating costs, and access to proven, sustainable solutions built for local conditions.”

Smoothing road connections in Uganda (Image source: AfDB)

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved an additional €217mn to complete the Busega–Mpigi and Kagitumba–Kayonza–Rusumo roads project in Uganda

In a statement, it noted that the project would reinforce Uganda’s and Rwanda’s shared vision of stronger regional connectivity and trade.

The additional resources will finance the construction of new interchanges, bridges, toll plazas, and service lanes, including the Busega Interchange linking the expressway to the Northern Bypass.

These improvements will address chronic traffic congestion between Busega and Mpigi, a key bottleneck along the Northern Corridor connecting Kampala to Kigali.

Funding will also cover land compensation, project management, and capacity enhancement for Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure smooth execution following recent institutional restructuring, the bank added.

Once completed, the 27.3-km expressway is expected to cut travel time from over two hours to under 45 minutes, improving access to markets and social services for more than one million residents and traders in Busega, Mpigi and the surrounding communities.

“This project is more than a road; it is a lifeline for communities and a gateway for trade,” said George Makajuma, the bank’s principal transport engineer and project task manager.

“The additional financing ensures that the Busega–Mpigi Expressway delivers safer, faster, and more inclusive transport for millions, unlocking the region’s economic potential.”

The total cost of the upgraded Uganda section now stands at €424.61mn — more than double the cost from the original €176.26 million, reflecting a scaled-up project scope, according to the AfDB.

The government of Uganda is also contributing €30.98mn to the scheme.

Additional components to be financed also include seven new bridges and 54km of lined drainage channels.

Construction under the additional financing is scheduled to resume in early January 2026 and conclude by December 2029, with full project completion expected in 2030.

According to the AfDB, the project is expected to generate over 1,200 jobs – 800 during construction work and 400 in operations.

Read more:

Abu Dhabi to fund Uganda roads project

Chinese contractors complete Tanzania's John Magufuli bridge

Revamping Tanzania's vital transport links 

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

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.