Construction

Advancing the aesthetics of concrete

Chryso helps transform concrete across Africa with striking architectural solutions

With growing demand for buildings that are not only functional but also visually striking, Chryso is helping customers reshape the face of concrete

According to Michelle Fick, business unit development manager for concrete aesthetics at Chryso Southern Africa, customers now have access to a wider range of innovative products tailored to various applications.

Driven by technological advancements and a strong appreciation for architectural innovation, the company now offers a broad portfolio of solutions that ensure concrete is both durable and beautiful.

“To achieve the desired aesthetic impact, it is essential to consider how the concrete is applied,” said Fick.

“That is why we offer a comprehensive suite of solutions, including surface retarders, integral pigments, surface treatments, curing compounds and demoulding oils.”

These products can be used in combination to enhance even the most basic concrete features such as pillars or floors, ensuring that aesthetics are never overlooked, regardless of the project’s scale or complexity.

One of the most common requirements in aesthetic concrete applications is colour consistency, said Fick.

Chryso’s integral iron oxide pigments provide vibrant durable colour throughout the concrete mass, so even chips or abrasions won’t reveal an underlying colour difference.

Surface quality is another priority. Chryso’s plasticisers and superplasticisers improve the workability and flow of the concrete mix, reducing surface defects and ensuring a smooth high quality finish.

To further strengthen and enhance surface performance, the company also offers densifiers and hardeners that provide improved abrasion resistance. Additionally, its release agents support a clean separation from formwork, enabling a high class finish with consistent colour and texture.

Surface finishing is key to consistency, and CHRYSO FiniSafe can be applied just before the final finishing operation to enhance surface uniformity.

Fick stressed that the success of any aesthetic concrete application depends on best practice.

“Consistent batch control, quality materials and correct curing techniques are essential,” she said.

“We always recommend proper concrete trials before commencing a project, especially for large-scale applications, to confirm the best combination of admixtures and placement methods.”

Texture also plays a vital role in the visual appeal of concrete. Viscosity modifying admixtures like CHRYSO Quad 20 improve cohesion, preventing issues such as segregation or honeycombing.

Efflorescence — the white powdery residue that can appear on concrete surfaces — is another common challenge the company tackles with products like CHRYSO Fuge B, an integral waterproofing admixture that blocks pores and reduces the risk of moisture ingress.

It also offers water-repellent surface treatments, such as dry-coat sealers, which prevent water from reacting with free lime, the cause of efflorescence.

Fick said that Chryso takes a collaborative approach, working closely with customers from planning to execution to ensure outstanding aesthetic outcomes.

“Our innovations are designed to make concrete beautiful,” she said. “But it is our hands-on support that helps customers unlock their full creative and architectural potential.”

Chryso plasticiser utilised for Musina bridge project

Chryso operations manager urges companies to be more responsible

African Development Bank targets Nigeria’s infrastructure

Nigeria_infrastructure_roads_African_Development_Bank

Nigeria's infrastructure set for investment boost.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a new five-year strategy for Nigeria with a core focus on building up the nation’s infrastructure

The bank has pledged an annual investment of US$650mn through 2030, with US$2.95mn allocated over the next four years. This will be complemented by other development partners to boost roads, power, and other infrastructure sectors.

It said additional funds from co-financing partners would be worth an estimated US$3.21bn, without giving further details.

In a statement, the AfDB said the strategy focuses on two priority areas: promoting sustainable infrastructure and boosting industrialisation.

“The strategy aims to close Nigeria’s critical infrastructure gap – estimated at US$2.3 trillion between 2020 and 2043 – by investing in climate-friendly roads, power and water systems, and supporting agribusinesses that create jobs, especially for women and youth.”

It said the bank’s investments are projected to support Nigeria’s ambition to double the size of its economy to US$1trn and to create more than 1.5 million new jobs.

“This strategy takes a transformative partnership between the bank and Nigeria to a new level,” said Abdul Kamara, director general of the AfDB’s Nigeria office.

“By investing in sustainable infrastructure and inclusive agricultural growth, we are not only building roads, power systems and transforming agriculture – we are building pathways to prosperity for millions of Nigerians.”

The new strategy aligns with Nigeria’s own long-term development plans, including its Agenda 2050, the National Development Plan 2021-2025, and the 2023 Renewed Hope Agenda.

It also supports the country’s efforts to capitalise on opportunities arising out of the African Continental Free Trade Area by boosting energy access, improving transportation networks and enhancing market access for farmers, agro-entrepreneurs and businesses.

According to the AfDB, millions of Nigerians, including micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, as well as governments and rural communities, are expected to benefit from improved access to finance, enhanced supply chains, training and business opportunities.

Women entrepreneurs will also receive targeted support under programmes like the bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative, while youth will gain critical skills to tackle unemployment.

By supporting greener, more resilient infrastructure and agricultural systems, the strategy also aims to strengthen Nigeria’s climate adaptation efforts, mitigating the effects of floods and droughts, the AfDB noted.

Read more:

Hitech hits the Lagos-Calabar highway

Nigeria must scale up decentralised energy, says renewables expert

IFC invests in Nigeria's Lagos Free Zone

SANY records robust growth in Africa sales

Sany_machinery_bauma_China_Africa_sales_2024

Sany machinery riding high in international markets. (Image source: bauma China)

Africa was the fastest-growing market region in the world for SANY Heavy Industry in 2024

The China-based group announced its 2024 results recently, stating that its international revenues hit record highs. The company reported US$10.88bn in full-year sales and revenue, up 6.22% year-on-year.

“The African market boasted strong growth, with revenue surging by 44% to US$0.75bn,” the company noted in a statement.

With international sales accounting for 64% of its core business revenue, the company continues to show what it called “remarkable growth despite global economic headwinds”.

In stark contrast to Africa, it said the Europe and America regions showed modest growth of 1.86% and 6.64%, contributing US$1.72bn and US$1.44bn respectively.

Its growth in international markets was also driven by the Asia and Australia regions.

“I’m proud of our achievements in the challenging, yet opportunity-filled, 2024,” said Xiang Wenbo, chairman of SANY Heavy Industry.

The earthmoving, concrete, and hoisting machinery segments contributed 76% of SANY’s full-year revenues, reporting US$4.25bn, US$2.01bn, and US$1.83bn respectively.

Staying committed to decarbonisation, the company also continued to promote the development of clean technology in its equipment. In 2024, it applied 275 low-carbon patents, while low-carbon products generated US$0.56bn in revenue.

SANY is also continuing with the electrification of its main machines, core spare parts and power supply units — in 2024, it launched over 40 electric products, with sales exceeding 6,200 units.

“In 2025, we will deepen technological innovation, strengthen risk management, and enhance governance efficiency, contributing our corporate strength to global sustainable development,” added Wenbo.

The SANY group is active across various market segments and industries in Africa, including renewable energy.

At Germany’s bauma exhibition in April, it showcased 35 products, including excavators, cranes, forklifts and road machinery, with a particular focus on sustainability and innovation.

Earlier in the year, the group also announced the successful deployment of a sustainable microgrid energy solution in support of copper mining operations in Zambia.

Read more:

Excavators breaking the mould

China's Sany introduces advanced excavator for tough terrains

New look for Volvo CE wheel loaders

The new-look fleet of wheel loaders from Volvo CE (Image source: Volvo CE)

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is launching its new generation wheel loaders that will be available for the Africa market later this year

The five revamped models are the L150, L180, L200 High Lift, L220 and L260 and are designed for optimal productivity, operator comfort and safety.

Aside from a fresh design, these hard-working and versatile machines offer faster cycle times, exceptional performance and unmatched operator comfort, packed with intelligent solutions to help customers maximise productivity and profitability.

“Our new generation wheel loaders represent a significant leap forward in technology and design,” said Erich Kribs, product manager at Volvo CE.

The introduction of new generation load sensing hydraulics enables faster cycle times by ensuring attachment responsiveness and improving boom lift and lowering speeds.

An automatic bucket levelling function further boosts productivity by returning the bucket to a level position from both dump and curl positions, while the intelligent Auto Bucket Fill feature delivers optimal, consistent bucket filling every time.

Thanks to updated Smart Control, the fuel-efficient engine mode activates by default whenever the machine is turned on, reducing fuel consumption without compromising productivity. The wheel loaders are also compatible with HVO (Hydro-treated Vegetable Oils) fuel.

“With these models, we’re not just enhancing productivity and comfort but also setting new standards for innovation and efficiency in the industry,” added Kribs.

“This latest launch is part of our most ambitious year yet, as we continue to introduce a range of groundbreaking products designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

With an entirely Volvo powertrain, quality runs through the DNA of the wheel loaders, in delivering optimal stability and efficiency by synchronising the transmission with the engine and axles.

The converter delivers increased torque output for better performance at low speeds, while reduced gear step intervals provide even faster acceleration and smoother operation.

Pioneering technologies such as Volvo’s OptiShift and the patented Reverse By Braking (RBB) function decrease cycle times and extend component lifespan.

To support robust performance in the most demanding applications, such as the African market, the unique Volvo Torque Parallel (TP) linkage delivers high breakout torque and ultimate parallel movement throughout the entire lifting range.

Volvo CE has also prioritised operator comfort, safety and ease of service in its latest wheel loader update.

The new generation wheel loaders will be gradually introduced across select markets globally during 2025, the company said.

Powering construction's electric future with Volvo

Volvo CE adopts low-carbon steel

Nigerian modular housing solution for refugee camps

AllSpace_modular_eco_housing_refugee_camps_Nigeria

The AllSpace modular eco-housing concept (Image source: Swarovski Foundation)

A solar-powered modular housing design for refugees, developed by a young Nigerian, has scooped a prestigious prize from the Swarovski Foundation and the United Nations

Blossom Eromsele, 23, developed the AllSpace Modular Home, a low-cost, solar-powered housing solution designed for refugee camps, that takes its inspiration from traditional African huts.

The structures are made from recycled materials, providing a sustainable and scalable alternative for displaced communities.

The winners of the Creatives for Our Future programme, championed by the Swarovski Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, each receive a grant, along with tailored mentorship, educational support, and access to an influential global network.

All winning projects, spanning four continents, tackle pressing social and environmental challenges — from sustainable refugee housing to bio-integrated architecture and regenerative textile production.

“The Creatives for Our Future programme is an incredible platform for young innovators like myself to drive meaningful change,” said Eromsele.

“With the support of the Swarovski Foundation, I hope to expand AllSpace to more communities and ensure that displaced families have access to safe housing with vital resources while addressing environmental challenges. As we work with other communities, we will adapt our designs to meet their specific needs and cultural norms and requirements.”

Nigeria is facing a refugee crisis, with over 3.2 million people internally displaced due to ongoing conflicts in the country’s north-east, extreme weather events and rapid urbanisation.

Many existing refugee camps lack basic essentials like sanitation, reliable energy, or robustly-constructed shelters that do not offer privacy.

In response, the Nigerian-born architect and designer felt compelled to help, with her low-cost and sustainable modular housing solution.

Made from recycled materials and powered by solar energy, the homes respect and reflect local architectural heritage, fostering a sense of familiarity and belonging for displaced communities, according to Eromsele.

After winner the award, she plans to test and refine prototypes in a refugee camp, developing materials for different environments and terrains.

The AllSpace units include a solar-powered lighting system made from reused e-waste and plastic bottles developed by Stanley Anigbogu, a member of the 2024 Creatives for Our Future cohort.

Eromsele’s work in sustainable architecture has earned her further international recognition, including the Young Global Changer Award and selection as a Young Climate Prize Fellow.

“Each year, I am inspired by the remarkable creativity and vision of these young innovators,” said Jakhya Rahman-Corey, director of the Swarovski Foundation.

“Their groundbreaking solutions demonstrate the transformative power of creativity in tackling global challenges. Through the Creatives for Our Future programme, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of talent, providing them with the tools, education and support needed to turn their ideas into impactful solutions.”

Smart building solutions transform eastern Africa

IFC funding to support affordable housing construction in Kenya