Volvo CE machines prove superior in Gulf trials, showcasing productivity, safety, and fuel efficiency gains. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Following the launch of its next-generation excavators for the Middle East and Africa, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) recently validated their on-site performance through rigorous comparative testing in the Gulf region

The models – EC210, EC220, and EC360 – went head-to-head with competing machines from top global OEMs in real-world truck loading tasks, assessed on key metrics including productivity, fuel efficiency, durability, operator comfort, safety, and serviceability.

All machines were tested under identical site conditions using a dig-swing-dump-repeat cycle. Operators included a Volvo R&D veteran with 15 years of experience and two local contractors with a combined 22 years of excavator operation. The consistent conditions ensured fair performance evaluation across all brands.

EC210: Power meets precision in 22-tonne class

Delivering stronger productivity and improved fuel efficiency — even at lower RPMs.

In the 22-tonne category, the EC210 stood out by achieving up to 7% greater productivity and 14% better fuel efficiency than rivals in the same weight class. Despite operating at lower RPMs, the machine demonstrated optimal power-to-efficiency balance, making it ideal for applications like roadworks, site preparation, and utilities. "It’s a compact powerhouse, especially for contractors focused on output without excessive fuel costs," said Olle Watz, product manager at Volvo CE Region International.

EC220: Boosted output for bigger demands

Strikes a balance between power and fuel economy in high-volume operations.

The EC220 built upon the EC210’s strengths, boasting a 32% increase in productivity while maintaining comparable fuel usage. Its higher output makes it suitable for heavy-duty tasks like bulk excavation and materials handling. According to Watz, “The EC220 delivers high return where speed and volume matter without compromising efficiency.”

EC360: Bigger Isn’t always better

Outpaces larger rivals in productivity and efficiency, even at reduced RPM.

The heavyweight EC360 surprised testers by outmatching larger-class competitors. Despite running at a fuel-saving 1,500 RPM, it achieved up to 25% higher productivity and 21% greater fuel efficiency compared to competitors operating at peak RPM. “This model proves that thoughtful design can outperform brute force,” noted Watz.

Smart design, safer sites

From ROPS cabs to enhanced visibility, safety is built in from the ground up.

Safety features were a key differentiator. Volvo was the only OEM to offer a ROPS-certified cab as standard. Added elements like deck lighting, slip-resistant surfaces, smartly placed handrails, and a built-in rear-view camera highlighted the brand’s operator-first approach. Test operators praised visibility and ergonomic layouts that reduced fatigue over long shifts.

Serviceability with uptime in mind

Ground-level access, smart layout, and maintenance-friendly features keep jobs moving.

Ease of maintenance also played a role in Volvo CE’s top scores. Features like a smaller engine hood, improved ground-level access to service points, and anti-clog track holes make daily upkeep simpler and faster — critical in the demanding environments of the Middle East and Africa.

These real-world trials not only reaffirm Volvo CE’s engineering direction but underscore its ability to deliver reliable, cost-effective solutions that meet the region’s harsh worksite demands.

The Ndabakazi Intermodal Interchange will go a long way to ease traffic and reduce road accidents. (Image source: SANRAL)

The towns of Ndabakazi, Qumrha, Bhisho, and Ngqushwa in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province have transformed into major construction zones, driven by large-scale road development projects spearheaded by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL)

These initiatives are being rolled out across the Mnquma, Great Kei, Ngqushwa, and Buffalo City municipalities.

SANRAL, which is responsible for managing South Africa’s national road network, has invested over R3.5 billion (approx. US$189mn) into building and rehabilitating key routes in the region.

“The Ndabakazi Intermodal Interchange project that is currently under construction will go a long way in easing traffic flow, reduce road accidents, and provide job opportunities for the local community. Through this project, 240 jobs have been provided, empowering the local community with the necessary skills that are needed to work on it,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s provincial head for the Eastern Cape.

Peterson added, “Interns working on the project have also been taken through different training programmes that are designed to cater for their qualifications and training needs. We currently have two interns with a BTech Engineering qualification, one with an Advanced Diploma in Environmental Management, one with an S4 qualification in Civil Engineering, two with L2 Building Technology qualifications, and two interns with an N6 Civil Engineering that are working on the project.”

The Ndabakazi project began in February 2023 and is expected to be completed by August this year. It includes improvements to the N2 national road, construction of a new bridge, and development of a taxi rank.

Meanwhile, upgrades to the R63 national road between Bhisho and Qumrha are underway to revitalise surrounding towns. The R63 to N2 Qumrha T-Junction project started in May 2023 and is scheduled for completion in June 2025. It includes road widening, enhanced road markings, and upgraded intersections with dedicated right-turn lanes. By April, the project had generated 364 job opportunities, with training provided by accredited service providers.

Further improvements on the R63—from Bhisho to the N6 national road—will include 16 upgraded road intersections, 12 km of pedestrian walkways, 3 km of access roads, and 5 km of community service roads. A new taxi rank is also being developed in Peelton. According to Peterson, over 259 people have been employed on this segment, including five people living with disabilities.

Another key initiative is the upgrade of the N2 route from Ngqushwa to Makhana. The road is being widened to reduce congestion and accident rates. Works include the supply and compaction of subbase and base layer materials, installation of three new underpasses or culverts, and the extension of two existing structures.

“The project has created 419 permanent full-time job opportunities, and a total of 436 people have been trained on it,” Peterson noted.

SANRAL currently manages 5,885 km of road in the Eastern Cape—the longest portion of its 27,50 km national network.

Tanzania’s John MagaIfuli Bridge. (Image credit: Tanzania Invest)

Tanzania will officially open the John Magufuli Bridge later this month, constructed by a joint venture between China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and China Railway 15th Bureau

Built at a cost of around US$260mn, and fully financed by the Tanzanian government, the 3.2 km bridge connects the towns of Busisi and Kigongo, spanning the Mwanza Gulf on the southern shores of Lake Victoria.

The bridge opens up a raft of transport possibilities in the area, in Tanzania’s north west, slashing travel times significantly from hours down to just a few minutes.

Prior to its construction, travel depended on an ageing ferry system, adding up to three hours journey time for motorists.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan is due to attend the formal opening of what will be the longest bridge in the whole of eastern and central Africa on 19 June, 2025.

The president will officially open the bridge, as well as 1.6 km of connecting roads surrounding it.

Tanzania’s prime minister, Kassim Majaliwa, also visited the site at the end of May.

The longest bridge in the region, it will also be among the biggest in the whole of Africa, serving as a vital trade corridor to bolster economic connectivity between Tanzania and the landlocked countries of Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda, as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo.

One of the key features of the new bridge is a 520-metre low-pylon cable-stayed section, contributing to its record length.

The John Magufuli bridge — named after the late president — also forms part of a wider network of roads and highways infrastructure projects being undertaken by Tanzania.

Minister of Works Abdallah Ulega recently assured residents of Tanzania’s Sengerema District that the government intends to continue with the asphalting of the Segerema - Nyehunge (54.5 km) and Kamanga - Sengerema (32 km) roads to further open up the region and stimulate the economy.

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Business is thriving at Lobatse Clay Works. (Image credit: AfDB)

Lobatse Clay Works in Botswana is back in business, firing up the kilns once more to supply the nation’s construction sector with essential building materials

It follows an injection of funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) to turn around the company’s fortunes.

The brick manufacturer, based in southern Botswana, was once the cornerstone of the country’s construction industry and is now enjoying something of a renaissance.

Founded in 1992 as a joint venture between BDC and American firm Inter-Kiln, Lobatse Clay Works established itself as the nation's premier maker of bricks.

For decades, its distinctive reddish-brown bricks were synonymous with Botswana's construction boom, during which schools, hospitals and government buildings all showcased the company's craftsmanship.

But in 2017, it faced a perfect storm of challenges.

Ageing equipment, production inefficiencies, and rising fuel costs forced the shutdown of the once-thriving operation, leaving the factory idle and stripping the community of both jobs and identity.

Now, that’s all changing, said Anthony Moepeng, acting CEO of Lobatse Clay Works.

The recent investment enabled Lobatse Clay Works to acquire state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment that dramatically improved energy efficiency.

A new hybrid fuel system slashed production costs, while enhanced kiln technology boosted output capacity and product quality.

Investment enabled the plant to reopen in 2024 and the revitalised factory has already created 148 direct jobs with hundreds more expected in supporting industries from transportation to services.

“The buildings that shaped modern Botswana will rise again from our clay,” said Moepeng.

The plant's output of three million bricks per month is high enough to meet domestic construction demand and serve export markets in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, generating valuable foreign exchange for Botswana's economy.

"This has enabled us to restart operations and produce enough bricks for expansion opportunities into the region,” added Benedicta Abosi, acting managing director at BDC.

Lobatse Clay Works's revival also aligns with Botswana’s industrial diversification goal to reduce dependence on diamond revenues by strengthening manufacturing capability.

The company now plans to expand from brick manufacturing to include tiles, further cementing its role in Botswana's construction renaissance and economic diversification efforts.

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