Make it in Africa to Build Africa. (Image source: Saint-Gobain Africa)

Saint-Gobain Africa has renewed its commitment to the continent through a new initiative dubbed, Make it in Africa to Build Africa (MABA)

“Make it in Africa to Build Africa is our drive and the lens through which we view everything we do," said CEO Othman Benjelloun-Touimi.

"It’s about partnering with all construction market stakeholders to build a sustainable Africa from within, where local solutions meet local needs, reinforcing our belief in the potential of African markets and communities."

The new Africa initiative is an extension of the main group’s purpose, Making the World a Better Home, and underscores a dedication to empowering the continent by prioritising local production, nurturing local talent and encouraging economic growth within the industry, according to Benjelloun-Touimi.

He noted that MABA is based on four main pillars, each linked to specific examples of how Saint-Gobain aims at bringing all partners and stakeholders along in building Africa.

Sustainability: 

In line with this commitment, Saint-Gobain Africa is introducing The FutuRE range; a new selection of sustainable construction solutions designed to enhance efficiency and minimise environmental impact, while maintaining the same cost. The range includes RhinoBoard 9 mm, RhinoBoard 12.5 mm, RhinoBoard FireStop (12.5 & 15 mm), Isover Cavitylite, and Weber WB11, each with a third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and a positive contribution to at least one strategic sustainability criteria such as a minimum of 10% reduction in CO2.

Local production: 

By investing in local manufacturing and expanding production lines, the company aims at reducing dependency on imports, creating jobs and driving economic growth. In line with this commitment, the opening of its new South African fibre cement plant in Q3 2025 marks a major milestone, creating more than 60 permanent jobs in its first phase.

People:

Saint-Gobain Africa runs initiatives like its graduate programme to nurture future African manufacturing leaders. The company also supports community development projects, provides contractors and applicators training and offers education opportunities throughout the continent.

Customers:

"Saint-Gobain Africa is committed to understanding its customers across the value chain and partnering with them to better meet their needs," said Benjelloun-Touimi. "The MABA commitment will enable us to offer meaningful innovations and locally produced materials that meet international standards, while also strengthening our support and technical knowledge to better serve our customers every step of the way."

Saint-Gobain Africa will collaborate with local businesses, governments, communities and all construction industry stakeholders who share the same commitment to driving innovation and development, he added.

"The future of Africa lies in the hands of its people," said Benjelloun-Touimi.

"More than a statement, MABA is our collective vision for Africa's future, setting new standards for sustainable growth and uniting all those dedicated to building Africa."

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Doka is introducing its fully digitised formwork process. (Image source: Doka)

Doka, in collaboration with its parent company Umdasch Group, is set to reshape discussions around formwork and scaffolding at bauma 2025

With more than 40 pioneering solutions on display, the company is bringing its vision for the future of construction to life.

From digitalisation and automation to sustainable materials and enhanced safety systems, Doka is showcasing a portfolio designed to streamline workflows, minimise inefficiencies, and drive industry progress.

"We cannot build the future with yesterday’s methods," said Robert Hauser, CEO of Doka. "The construction industry is facing enormous challenges – above all, it must overcome its productivity stagnation. While we are just one part of the bigger picture, we are committed to creating real value within our field. Through new technologies and, most importantly, the consistent digitalisation of the entire formwork process. Making this possible for our customers must be our ambition – nothing less.”

Digitalising the formwork process

One of Doka’s key highlights at bauma 2025 will be its vision for a fully digitised formwork process.

The company is introducing a connected platform that integrates all stages of formwork and pouring, offering construction professionals complete transparency and control over their projects in real time.

The Smart Construction Area, an outdoor zone dedicated to automation and robotics, will feature cutting-edge innovations such as semi-automated formwork robots and digitally controlled construction tools. A major highlight is the redesigned DokaXbot Lift, which now features intuitive ground-level operation and automatic fine adjustments, ensuring safer and more precise positioning of formwork elements up to 5.7 metres high.

Doka is also advancing automation with its FormDrive system. Engineered for high-rise and infrastructure projects, FormDrive is a next-generation drive system that enables operators to lift climbing systems and adjust wall formwork with minimal manual effort. By reducing labour requirements and improving precision, Doka is paving the way for a new era of formwork efficiency.

Driving sustainability in construction

At bauma 2025, Doka will introduce an intelligent heated formwork prototype designed to accelerate the curing of CO₂-reduced concrete. Featuring digital sensors for real-time concrete monitoring, the system enhances efficiency and facilitates the adoption of low-carbon concrete mixes on construction sites.

"As one of the largest GHG emitters worldwide, the construction industry must evolve," said Hauser. "CO₂-reduced concrete is a key driver of change, and we are committed to supporting a lower carbon construction future, in line with our own ambitious goal of achieving net zero by 2040. We are excited to present our prototype at such an important show.”

Doka is also embracing circular economy principles with its Xlife top sheet, a high-durability formwork sheet made entirely from upcycled plastic. Designed for multiple reuse cycles, it reduces material consumption and maintenance costs. At the end of its lifecycle, it is returned to a closed-loop system, where it is repurposed into new sheet cores, reinforcing Doka’s commitment to sustainable resource management.

In addition, Doka is spotlighting monolithic construction. Following its acquisition of MFE, a leading Malaysian aluminium formwork manufacturer, the company will showcase monolithic formwork technology at bauma 2025 for the first time. Engineered for rapid construction, this system is set to transform large-scale building projects.

Expanding Scaffolding Innovations

Together with AT-PAC, its dedicated scaffolding brand, Doka is expanding its range of scaffolding solutions to enhance efficiency and safety in both construction and industrial settings.

A newly developed 30-metre scaffolding tower with an integrated viewing platform will be a standout attraction at the event, offering visitors a unique vantage point of the bauma fairgrounds.

The company is also introducing the DokaXshore system, a next-generation lightweight shoring solution designed for rapid assembly and maximum load capacity. Meanwhile, the UniKit heavy shoring system, which has already proven effective on complex infrastructure projects, is receiving key updates. These include wall-mounted supports capable of handling up to 400 kN loads and full integration with Ringlock scaffolding, enhancing both accessibility and safety at height.

A US$250mn IFC loan will help Standard Bank finance eco-friendly, affordable housing and commercial developments across South Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

To boost the development and purchase of eco-friendly buildings and homes across South Africa, including in the affordable housing sector and for women homeowners, IFC has announced a US$250mn loan to The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, the nation’s largest bank by asset value

The unsecured senior loan will enable Standard Bank to extend financing to real estate developers and homebuyers for properties that meet international best practices for sustainable construction.

This collaboration will drive greener development in South Africa’s residential, commercial, industrial, and retail property sectors, with each project adhering to IFC’s EDGE certification or an equivalent standard for energy and water efficiency and sustainable building materials.

EDGE provides property developers with insights on constructing environmentally friendly buildings and offers a fast, easy, and reliable method to assess their energy efficiency.

Boosting green housing

Up to US$75mn of IFC’s funding will be allocated to individual home loans, with US$37.5mn specifically designated for women purchasing homes. At least half of all funds directed toward new residential projects will be focused on affordable housing.

Kenny Fihla, Standard Bank group deputy CEO for South Africa, stated, “South Africa's property sector presents immense growth potential, and with rising urbanisation, the demand for sustainable, resource-efficient developments has never been greater. This collaboration allows Standard Bank and its clients to meaningfully grow a more sustainable real estate landscape.”

Cláudia Conceição, IFC’s regional director for Southern Africa, added, “IFC is pleased to expand the collaboration with Standard Bank, our longstanding partner in South Africa, to help widen access to finance for certified green buildings in South Africa. As we continue to champion innovative blended finance solutions to support high-impact segments in the real estate sector, such as affordable housing and women homeowners, IFC is helping in their transition towards a more sustainable future and supporting the growth of a more inclusive and resilient economy.”

To help offset the costs of greening and certification for developers and homeowners, the project will also be supported by a US$4.8mn performance-based initiative under the Market Accelerator for Green Construction (MAGC) program. This bilateral initiative between IFC and the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is designed to scale up green residential and commercial construction loans and mortgage financing, benefiting end-borrowers directly.

This partnership aligns with IFC’s commitment to increasing private sector participation in South Africa’s key sectors to drive inclusive, sustainable, and broad-based growth. Over the past five years, IFC has invested more than US$5.2bn in South Africa, making it IFC’s largest country exposure in Africa and its fifth largest globally.

Also read: Africa’s hydrogen horizon expands rapidly

Yanmar launches electrification unit for compact off-highway segment (IMAGE SOURCE: Yanmar)

Yanmar is to launch a new dedicated electrification unit focused on the compact off-highway segment

This new unit, which will commence operations in April 2025, will focus on delivering a diverse portfolio of e-powertrain solutions, including batteries and eDrives.

The ultimate goal is to help drive zero-emission solutions for compact off-highway machinery, according to Tetsuya Yamamoto, chief operating officer, Yanmar Holdings.

“This initiative is a major milestone in Yanmar’s commitment to realising our brand statement: A Sustainable Future,” he said.

“The development of e-powertrains is crucial for adapting the expertise we have built with diesel engines to a broader range of applications beyond just construction and agricultural machinery, and it represents an important step towards achieving carbon neutrality.”

As a component manufacturer, supplier and integrator, the new unit will work closely with Yanmar customers to electrify applications such as excavators, wheel loaders and other industrial machinery.

The new electrification unit will concentrate on three primary product areas: Yanmar-branded industrial machinery; machinery for OEMs; and components and e-powertrains for industrial machinery.

“As we face the challenges of climate change and strive for a sustainable society, it is essential to accelerate the development and adoption of electric powertrains that not only enhance product performance but also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Yamamoto.

In recent years, Yanmar has invested in research and development to establish itself as a leader in zero-emission technologies in key construction equipment niches.

This includes strategic acquisitions, such as the 2022 takeover of Eleo Technologies, which has strengthened the group’s battery capabilities.

To spearhead the latest initiative, Yanmar has appointed Marko Dekena, who boasts a long career in electric and alternative energy powertrains within the automobile industry, to lead the new electrification group.

He said the new electrification division will not only support the ongoing transformation of the compact off-highway segment but also pave the way for a more sustainable future generally.

“By leveraging Yanmar’s deep understanding of our customers’ needs, we are dedicated to delivering technologies that will accelerate the transition toward zero emissions,” said Dekena.

In addition to electrification, Yanmar is also actively exploring hydrogen and alternative non-carbon fuels and resource recycling solutions to drive further advancements in environmental responsibility and carbon reduction.

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