The rise of Africa’s used equipment market is boosting construction. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The growth of Africa’s used equipment market is driving construction activity across the continent, providing affordable and sustainable solutions

Africa knows all about good value, keeping those old Toyotas running for decades despite their rough treatment they receive on the roads. In the construction industry, the longevity and durability of capital machinery is just as important, with the used equipment market offering a second life for pre-loved trucks, cranes, loaders and other items. Not only does it offer good value, providing an affordable alternative to new equipment, but refurbishing and reselling old machinery also ticks the sustainability box; something not to be underestimated as construction firms seek to mitigate their climate footprint. While sales of new machinery dominate the headlines and thrive alongside the used equipment market, there is good reason to suggest that this is an area ripe for growth, given current supply-chain difficulties globally and the escalating cost of materials.

Major players such as Hitachi Construction Machinery routinely bring new products to the Africanmarket at the same time as offering a wide variety of used equipment. Its current worldwide stock includes excavators, wheel loaders, bulldozers, dump trucks and other machines. These are ever popular as they are used on almost every construction site.

Local dealers typically play a pivotal role in the used machinery market, offering a variety of equipment from international brands and ensuring that machinery is refurbished to meet local standards. Other global brands, such as Hyundai, Komatsu, Volvo, and Caterpillar, can also be purchased in the used equipment space and can be seen working on projects across the region. The export market is thriving too, with used equipment dealers in Africa supplying customers across regional borders.

The export market is thriving too, with used equipment dealers in Africa supplying customers across regional borders. Rentals have likewise become popular, with portals such as My Crane offering a global marketplace for crane rentals. Where budgets are tight, renting costly capital items can make all kinds of construction, transport and mining projects more viable.

For the full story, check out the latest issue of African Review Business and Technology here.

An illustration of an electric application supported by a BESS powered by Volvo Penta’s subsystem. (Image source: Volva Penta)

With emissions regulations tightening and electricity demand exceeding grid capacity, the construction and mining sectors are facing a growing need for energy storage solutions. To address these challenges, Volvo Penta has introduced a compact and energy-dense Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) subsystem

Designed for transportability and fast charging, this solution provides system integrators and BESS manufacturers with a reliable option for deploying energy storage in microgrid applications such as quarries, urban restoration sites, and other demanding environments.

A scalable energy storage solution

Construction and mining sites face diverse energy challenges. While some locations have grid access, they require peak shaving or fast-charging solutions to optimise power use. Others must find alternative power sources due to grid constraints, particularly when energy needs are not factored in from the outset. Additionally, projects in transitional phases may find themselves neither fully off-grid nor securely connected to a stable energy supply. Volvo Penta’s BESS subsystem is designed to meet these challenges, supporting industries where energy demands exceed grid capabilities or connectivity is limited. These storage systems integrate seamlessly with renewables and other power sources, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply essential for electrification in large-scale or remote operations.

Optimised for battery-electric vehicle (BEV) charging, Volvo Penta’s BESS subsystem offers a high C-rate, ensuring fast charging while maintaining grid stability in high-demand environments. As industries continue their shift toward electrification, the system provides a crucial solution to mitigate capacity and frequency fluctuations, ensuring consistent energy availability.

Beyond BEV charging, the BESS subsystem supports microgrid applications and peak shaving strategies. Its transportable design enables flexible deployment in zero-emission construction zones and remote mining sites. The system powers equipment directly on-site and can be relocated for recharging without disrupting operations. Additionally, it enhances the performance of stationary electric equipment, such as excavators, wheel loaders, and crushers, ensuring continuous uptime in rugged environments.

At its core, Volvo Penta’s BESS subsystem features an energy-dense battery pack with a high-performance C-rating for efficient fast charging and discharging. Built on proven battery technology from Volvo Group’s on- and off-highway applications, the system is designed to endure harsh conditions, boasting a high IP rating for corrosion and dust resistance. Additional features include a DC/DC converter for auxiliary power, a telematics gateway for real-time monitoring, and an advanced thermal management system to optimize performance across various environments. The system's CAN and DC interfaces, developed with Volvo Group expertise, ensure secure data transfer, while its robust Battery Management System (BMS) enhances performance, extends battery life, and safeguards cybersecurity.

Each Volvo Penta BESS subsystem delivers essential DC energy supply, while original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) manage AC setup, container integration, and system configuration.This collaborative approach enables tailored energy solutions to meet diverse operational needs.

Following extensive testing and prototyping with customers, Volvo Penta is now bringing its production-ready BESS subsystem to market. The company will showcase these advanced energy storage solutions at bauma 2025. Attendees can visit Volvo Penta’s stand (A4.412) to meet experts and explore how BESS technology can support the transition to electrification in the construction and mining industries.

The first section of the Lagos-Calabar highway to be completed this year. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Nigeria's Hitech Construction Company is powering on with work on the first section of the Lagos-Calabar highway project, with the initial stretch set to be completed by the end of 2025, Minister of works David Umahi said in an update this week

Work began last year on the 700-km coastal highway project that will run from Victoria Island, Lagos to Calabar in Cross River State.

The first phase of the project, led by local contractor Hitech Construction Company, stretches 47 km out of Lagos towards Calabar.

The full project, which will connect the western and south-eastern regions of Nigeria, passing through a number of other states including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom State, before ending in Calabar, is scheduled for completion in eight years’ time.

Sections three and four of the highway are expected to commence from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, respectively.

In May 2024, President Tinubu said the Lagos-Calabar highway project would provide direct employment for thousands of people and indirect jobs for tens of thousands.

He added that it would also open economic opportunities for millions of others across the south of the country, providing faster travel times and access to new trade centres and markets.

Umahi provided his latest update during an inspection of works on another major highways project, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway.

He said in a statement published on the Federal Minister of Works website that the Abuja-Kano road was also of the utmost importance to Nigeria because of its economic value to the country.

“We are committed to ensuring its timely completion,” he said.

At the start of March, that included work to begin laying an eight-inch continuous reinforced concrete pavement, Umahi added.

The major highways programme is also providing a boost to Nigeria's construction sector.

“The Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to quality infrastructure development, ensuring that all projects under the Ministry’s supervision must meet the highest standards and be completed on schedule,” said Umahi.

The government recently mandated that contractors must work on-site for at least two weeks before receiving mobilisation fees in a bid to ensure that only dependable and committed firms take on major road projects to reduce cases of abandoned construction sites.

Read more: 

Nigeria and Cameroon border post upgrade to raise efficiency

Apapa-Oshodi road to revive commerce around the area says Nigerian minister

AfDB and Ecowas sign agreement on Abidjan-Lagos highway project

Bobcat’s 1-2t Mini Excavator range delivers dependable performance for any job. (Image source: Bobcat)

Bauma 2025 will mark the global debut of Bobcat’s latest advancements in compact equipment, including its groundbreaking 1-2 t mini excavators and the upgraded E88 mini excavator, the flagship model in Europe

The event will also highlight Bobcat’s pioneering technologies shaping the future of construction sites. Visitors can experience innovations transitioning "from concepts to customers," such as the RogueX and RogueX2 autonomous loader prototypes, the TL25.60e electric telehandler concept, and an array of electric machines, including the T7X and S7X compact loaders and the E10e and E19e electric mini excavators.

Bobcat’s new 1-2 t mini excavators build on the success of previous models, with over 34,000 units already sold. Following three years of development and incorporating more than 500 new components, these machines will be introduced to the European, Middle Eastern, and African (EMEA) markets later this year. The extensive design process involved a team of over 50 engineers and designers, who gathered insights from more than 80 customer visits and conducted ride-and-drive sessions with operators. With over 20,000 hours dedicated to testing and validation, Bobcat ensured these excavators meet the highest standards.

The next-generation models—E16, E17z, E19, and E20z—bring enhanced performance, a modernized design, and advanced features previously found only in larger excavators. These upgrades cater specifically to the needs of EMEA customers.

Advanced engine and load-sensing hydraulics

At the core of the new 1-2 t mini excavators is an advanced powertrain, integrating a high-performance, upgraded engine with a new load-sensing hydraulic system. This closed-centre, flow-sharing system—typically reserved for larger excavators—delivers exceptional efficiency and precision.

"The brand-new hydraulic system allows operators to smoothly operate multiple functions simultaneously. Even when operating attachments that demand substantial hydraulic power, such as a flail mower, operators can now seamlessly perform multiple functions simultaneously. This includes driving, slewing, and lifting with smooth precision," remarked Robert Husar, product line director for Bobcat in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Enhanced E88 mini excavator

Alongside the 1-2 t mini excavators, Bobcat will also unveil a refined version of its E88 9 t mini excavator. This upgraded model improves operator comfort, enhances the fit and finish, and introduces additional standard features, with multiple predefined configurations available.

"The increased level of operator comfort results from the use of the Fritzmeier cab, also utilised on Bobcat’s popular E60, 6 t mini excavator model. This cab offers improved window and windscreen opening and closing, reduced noise and vibrations, as well as additional standard features and options. These include Direct to Tank and an intermittent wiper – standard in all configurations; a rear-view camera – optional for machines with a 7-inch display; and a new Radio FM/AM/DAB/Phone Ready function – included in some specifications as standard," explained Husar.

Pioneering innovation

As an industry leader, Bobcat continues to push the boundaries of construction equipment technology. The company recently introduced the TL25.60e, an electric telehandler concept designed to match and exceed the performance of its diesel-powered equivalent while delivering zero emissions for a more sustainable solution.

Bobcat’s electric mini excavators are available globally, enabling operators to work efficiently in environments where emissions are restricted, such as indoor spaces or environmentally sensitive sites. In North America, Bobcat also offers the T7X all-electric compact track loader, designed for high efficiency and versatility, alongside a zero-turn electric mower tailored for landscaping and groundskeeping.

At Bauma, Bobcat will also showcase groundbreaking concepts like the RogueX2, an autonomous compact loader, and the S7X, the world’s first all-electric skid-steer loader. These innovative machines remain in the research and development phase, reflecting Bobcat’s commitment to shaping the future of construction equipment.

Also read: Bobcat R-Series Waste Expert telehandlers prove their worth