Siemens Energy has named Hussein Shoukry as the new managing director for the Middle East and Africa. He takes over from Dietmar Siersdorfer, who is retiring after an impressive career spanning nearly four decades with the company.

Based in the UAE, Hussein will oversee Siemens Energy’s operations and strategic initiatives across a regional network of 29 offices, employing more than 4,000 people and generating EUR 9 billion in order intake in fiscal year 2025.

“Rising energy demand is reshaping the future of both the Middle East and Africa,” Hussein said. “In the Middle East, countries are embracing a diversified energy mix and building localized supply chains, while in Africa the priority is expanding reliable electricity access for millions. The region also includes markets where critical energy infrastructure is being rebuilt or modernized.”

He added, “With our broad portfolio in energy technology and long-standing presence, Siemens Energy will remain a committed partner in meeting these needs and strengthening the resilience of the Middle East and Africa’s energy systems.”

Hussein brings extensive experience in managing complex energy projects and enhancing global execution capabilities. Since joining Siemens Energy in 2003, he has held multiple leadership roles, most recently as Senior Vice President for Project Execution, where he led a team of over 3,500 employees and managed the company’s global Competence Centers in Romania, Mexico, and India.

Holding a degree in Construction Engineering from the American University in Cairo, Hussein’s engineering background, project execution expertise, and deep understanding of diverse energy markets across Europe and the Middle East equip him to lead Siemens Energy’s business in the Middle East and Africa effectively.

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. 

One of the world’s largest mining and infrastructure ventures marked a milestone this week with the start of operations at Simandou in Guinea

The major project partners from the Chinese-led scheme, including WCS, Baowu, Chinalco as well as Rio Tinto, took part in a ceremony at the port in Forécariah prefecture to celebrate the launch of what is Africa’s largest greenfield integrated mine and infrastructure project.

WCS is a consortium between Winning International Group and Weiqiao Aluminium (part of the China Hongqiao Group) and United Mining Suppliers (collectively 51%) and Baowu Resources (49%).

“This milestone reflects years of hard work and strong partnership,” said Winning Consortium chairman Sun Xiushun. “Winning Consortium is proud to have delivered on our commitment and to stand with our partners in bringing Simandou into operation.”

The project is delivering more than 600 kilometres of new multi-use trans-Guinean rail together with barge and transhipment vessel port facilities.

Following commissioning and ramp up, this infrastructure will support the export of a combined total of up to 120 million tonnes per year of mined iron ore by SimFer and WCS from their respective Simandou mining concessions in the southeast of the country.

The Simfer joint venture comprises Simfer S.A., the holder of Simandou South Blocks 3 & 4, which is owned by the government (15%) and Simfer Jersey Limited (85%) — itself a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings.

Chalco Iron Ore Holdings is a Chinalco-led joint venture of leading Chinese state-owned enterprises, including Chinalco, Baowu, China Rail Construction Corporation and China Harbour Engineering Company.

“The start of operations of the Simandou project is an important achievement guided by the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, noted Chinalco’s president Wang Shilei.

“It reflects the joint efforts and pragmatic cooperation between China and Guinea, contributing to Guinea’s industrialisation and modernisation process.”

Shilei added that Chinalco is committed to working together with all partners to “fully implement the outcomes of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, advance the high-quality development of the Simandou iron ore project, take concrete actions to deliver on the Belt and Road Initiative, and promote the continued deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Guinea.”

Testing and commissioning of the mine, rail and barge port system infrastructure is now underway, with both WCS and SimFer having commenced the transport of iron ore from mine gate to the port via the trans-Guinean rail line.

Once commissioned, all co-developed infrastructure and rolling stock will be transferred to and operated by the Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG), in which Simfer and WCS each hold a 42.5% equity stake, with the government holding the remaining 15%.

Rio Tinto’s CEO Simon Trott said the achievement has been made possible through the hard work of thousands of colleagues, and the complementary strengths and expertise of the company and its various partners.

“Today we are unlocking an exceptional new source of high-grade iron ore that is in demand from customers for low-carbon steel making, enhancing our world-class portfolio of iron ore mines in the Pilbara and Canada.”

Hu Wangming, chairman of China Baowu Group, added that the start of operations marks a “milestone” in the history of the global mining industry.

“Throughout the development process, all parties have maintained a broad perspective and a long-term vision, adhering to the principles of market orientation, rule of law, and internationalisation, ensuring the project’s advancement with high standards and high quality,” Wangming said.

“The stable supply of Simandou’s premium iron ore resources will provide a solid foundation of low carbon raw materials for the development of China’s steel industry and the global steel sector.”

Djiba Diakité, Minister and Chief of Staff to the President and chairman of the Simandou 2040 Strategic Committee, hailed the project as a “driving force” behind national transformation.

“This collective success reflects the vision of the head of state and the determination of an entire nation to build a future of shared prosperity. This inauguration marks a foundational milestone for Guinea, which now stands as a key player in sustainable development and economic sovereignty in West Africa.”

Read more:

First CTG locomotives arrive for Simandou project

XCMG Machinery invests in Africa talent pool

Wabtec nets US$248mn order for TransGuinéen rail locomotives

Freightos, the global leader in digital freight booking and payments, has expanded its reach in East Africa through a new partnership with Jambojet Cargo, Kenya's leading regional airline cargo operator

Jambojet Cargo is now live on the WebCargo by Freightos platform, allowing freight forwarders to book cargo capacity digitally across the airline's extensive East African network.

With this integration, WebCargo users gain immediate digital access to Jambojet Cargo services across nine major routes that link key commercial hubs in Kenya and Tanzania. Operating from its main base in Nairobi, Jambojet connects to Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Malindi, Diani, Lamu and Zanzibar. In the future, the airline's capacity will also be made available for interlining agreements. Jambojet Cargo handles a wide variety of shipments including fresh produce, pharmaceuticals and e-commerce goods, supporting regional supply chains and cross border trade.

By joining WebCargo by Freightos, freight forwarders can now compare real time rates, confirm bookings instantly and manage their cargo online. This improves visibility, reduces manual processes and helps ensure a faster and more reliable service experience. Freightos currently handles an annualized run rate of more than 1.6 million transactions on its platform.

"Partnering with Jambojet Cargo expands WebCargo by Freightos' reach in one of Africa's most dynamic logistics markets," said Zvi Schreiber, CEO of Freightos.

"By bringing more regional carriers online, we're continuing Freightos' mission to make global trade smoother and more efficient helping forwarders and shippers access the capacity they need, when they need it and where they need it."

"Digitalization is reshaping air cargo across Africa, and Jambojet is proud to be at the forefront of this change, providing our customers with a modern and easy to use booking experience," said Karanja Ndegwa, managing director and CEO at Jambojet.

"By joining WebCargo by Freightos, we're giving freight forwarders faster, smoother, and more reliable access to our network supporting the region's expanding trade and connectivity. Looking ahead, we're excited to make our capacity available for interlining on WebCargo by Freightos' platform, helping strengthen links between African markets and the world."

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Algeria’s Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Micro-Enterprises have agreed to deepen cooperation to accelerate the growth of startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa

The announcement came at the close of the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025), hosted in Algiers from 4 to 10 September. Leading the Bank’s delegation, Ousmane Fall, Acting Director of the Industrial and Trade Development Department, highlighted the AfDB’s central role in unlocking finance for African businesses. “Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and startups is one of the key pillars of our work, as defined in the Four Cardinal Points of the Bank group’s new president, Dr Sidi Ould Tah,” said Fall. He added, “The Bank will support SMEs through an innovative approach that combines new financing instruments, advisory services, and policy reforms to promote their emergence across the continent.”

Strengthening private sector engagement

Ahead of discussions with Minister Noureddine Ouadah, the Bank delegation met with Algeria Venture, the state-backed startup accelerator. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation, particularly by linking Algerian startup funding mechanisms with leading private equity and venture capital funds. They also confirmed plans to jointly take part in the African Startup Conference, scheduled in Algiers from 6 to 9 December 2025, which aims to promote innovation, strengthen networks, and attract investment on a continental scale.

Closing IATF 2025, Minister Ouadah announced the launch of a new investment fund for African startups, an initiative championed by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, underlining Algeria’s commitment to prioritising youth and innovation in shaping Africa’s economic future.

The AfDB’s Non-Sovereign Operations team also presented financing solutions for the private sector while pursuing new strategic collaborations. Engagements with firms such as Solewant Group, a Nigerian steel and coatings leader, illustrated the Bank’s interest in high-impact African companies.

Showcasing innovation and entrepreneurship

The AfDB further contributed to several IATF sessions, including one organised with UNDP’s Timbuktoo initiative and the African Union on “Building an Enabling Startup Ecosystem,” as well as a discussion hosted by Afreximbank’s African Research and Innovation Centre. These platforms enabled the Bank to highlight its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab and its flagship ENNOVA programme, which helps entrepreneurs expand their operations and access new opportunities.

The IATF Advisory Council, in which the Bank is an active participant, announced that Lagos, Nigeria, will host the fifth edition of the fair in 2027. Reaffirming its commitment, the AfDB stressed that trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation remain central to driving inclusive growth and industrial transformation across the continent.

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.”