Construction

Huaxin Cement has expressed optimism and excitement opportunity to work with Lafarge Africa and Nigeria. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Lafarge Africa has reiterated its commitment to Nigeria’s economic and infrastructure development following the recent acquisition by Huaxin Cement

The company made the announcement after Holcim agreed to sell 83.81% of its shareholding in Lafarge Africa to Huaxin Cement. This move has been labelled a “significant milestone” by Lafarge Africa, and one that heralds in a new chapter for the company to deepen its impact and reinforce its position in the West African country.

‘’This development will further solidify Lafarge Africa's position as a leading contributor to Nigeria’s infrastructure and economic growth,” remarked Gbenga Oyebode, chairman, Lafarge Africa Plc. “Nigeria’s market holds vast potential with its positive growth indices, increasing urbanisation, and infrastructure demand. We remain committed to leveraging these opportunities while maintaining our focus on sustainability and innovation.”

Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, CEO of Lafarge Africa, added, "Our journey in Nigeria for the past 65 years has been one of resilience, collaboration, and consistent growth. Our market position and long-term market potential are promising. This transition provides an opportunity for Lafarge Africa to continue growing and evolving, supported by the investment and global expertise of Huaxin Cement Ltd. We will remain steadfast, delivering value to our customers, sustaining our upward momentum, and ensuring a smooth transition for everyone.”

For its part, Huaxin Cement has expressed optimism and excitement opportunity to work with Lafarge Africa and Nigeria. Gang Xu, vice president of Huaxin Cement, commented, “Leveraging the knowledge and experience of the management and staff of the company, combined with our experience gained from the operation of more than 60 cement plants, and other businesses, in 12 countries – including 7 in Africa – we will devise plans for the further growth of Lafarge Africa. Together, we will build on the proud and long history of Lafarge Africa and will honour its legacy by bringing it to the next level of development.”

Lafarge Africa is a leading producer of building materials and construction solutions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Holcim, a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, has agreed to sell its shareholding in Lafarge Africa

Holcim currently holds an 83.81% shareholding in Lafarge Africa PLC, a Nigerian-based producer of building materials and construction solutions. The entirety of this will be sold to Huaxin Cement at an equity value of US$1bn on a 100% basis.

Subject to customary and regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in 2025 and will mark Holcim’s exit from its Nigerian business. This is reportedly in line with its new strategy of streamlining its portfolio and focusing on high-growth regions.

For China-based Huaxin Cement, it marks yet another acquisition on the continent following recent high profile acquisitions. This includes, at the start of this year, the purchase of the South African operations of InterCement in a deal valued at around US$230mn.

It remains to be seen what impact this will have for Lafarge Africa, a company that has been making headlines in recent months by setting new standards in sustainable cement production.

The new marketplace was unveiled at bauma China (Image source: MYCRANE)

MYCRANE, a digital platform for online crane rental, has launched a new international marketplace at bauma China

Already established in markets such as India and the Middle East – with more than 1,500 registered crane rental companies – MYCRANE users and other interested parties around the world are now able to buy and sell used and new lifting equipment. This will promote a shift from low volume and costly trades to cost-efficient sales transactions.

Lifting equipment on sale on the platform includes mobile, crawler, tower and specialist cranes in addition to aerial work platforms and other equipment.

“Just as we’ve made crane rental easy and accessible for all, we now want to democratize the equipment sales process, by supporting fast, global trading and providing access to a wide range of keenly-priced equipment,” remarked Andrei Geikalo, MYCRANE founder and CEO.

“The MYCRANE Marketplace is particularly valuable to individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who will be empowered by the ability to source the right equipment at the right price – wherever they are, internationally. The goal is to streamline the buying process, increase transparency and choice, and create a robust trading platform for the benefit of the entire industry.”

MYCRANE has added that it is also able to offer logistics and transportation services, facilitating the sales process at customer sites anywhere in the world, as well as insurance and leasing to fund the purchase.

The Lintec CSD2500B ensures uninterrupted operations, and its modular construction delivers cost efficiencies and easy installation. (Image source: Lintec & Linnhoff)

A Lintec CSD2500B Containerised Asphalt Mixing Plant has been supporting Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) in its work on the New Dodoma Msalato International Airport in Tanzania

The project is aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and connectivity of Tanzania’s political capital and the wider East African region. Once fully operational, it is expected to accommodate 1.5 million passengers annually. With investment from the Tanzanian Government and a loan from the African Development Bank, construction is taking place in two phases. The first is focused on the runway and terminal, while the second will be implemented based on demand.

For its work on the project, POWERCHINA purchased the mixing plant from Lintec & Linnhoff which began production in September 2023. The plant has been helping to build key facilities since this time, including a new apron, taxiway, runway, and auxiliary roads.

Construction has also been underway on new hangars, terminals, firefighting units, electromechanical installations, and a new airfield tower. As a result of these efforts, the project has reportedly reached the halfway point and is expected to be completed by April 2025.

Excelling in Tanzania

The Lintec Containerised Asphalt Mixing Plants feature a modular construction that allows for easy transportation and convenient installation. The Lintec CSD2500B model has a capacity of 160 tph and a batch size of 1650/1600 kg.

Prioritising sustainability with pollution control units and optional recycling units, the design also ensures security with a central lockable access point and features convenient walkways along with staircases for easy maintenance. These are but some of the features that led to POWERCHINA purchasing the plant for the project – a decision that continued the company’s long-standing relationship with Lintec & Linnhoff having used it for a number of projects dating back to 2010.

“Several factors drove our decision to invest in the Lintec CSD2500B Containerised Asphalt Mixing Plant,” said a spokesperson from POWERCHINA. “Firstly, we prioritise safety and reliability in all our operations, and with Lintec & Linnhoff’s German-engineered equipment, we are confident in the highest standards of performance and quality. In addition, the Lintec CSD2500B’s containerised design ensures uninterrupted operations despite Tanzania’s challenging rainy seasons, while its modular construction delivers cost efficiency through low transport expenses and easy installation.”

In Kenya, a Linnhoff  TSD1500 Asphalt Mixing Plant has been proving its worth on rural road projects in Kenya. Click here to learn more