Africa & The Middle East

The Ministry of the Environment has rebuffed the use of coal as a power source in cement plants in Egypt.

Profits, revenues and sales are all up for Lafarge WAPCO Cement Nigeria.

High power costs and uncertain supply are weighing on Ghacem, the largest cement producer in Ghana.

Lafarge and the French Development Agency (AFD) have formed a partnership in microfinance for affordable housing in Nigeria, with AFD contributing €5 million.

Higher sales, cost efficiency measures and a big tax credit have all contributed to the improved results for the full year ending 30 June 2013.

Ethiopia’s Habesha Cement Share Company plans to start construction of new cement plant this year, with start-up scheduled for 2015.

Giorgio Bodo of ASEC Cement, Egypt, discusses the impact of the Arab Spring upon the cement industry and what can be done to contain the problems.

Giorgio Bodo of ASEC Cement, Egypt, discusses the obstacles caused by political upheaval in the MENA region, where the cement industry stands and if progress is possible. This is an abridged article, which appeared in the November 2013 issue of World Cement.

Imran Akram provides an overview of the cement markets in North Africa, and looks forward to 2014.

Imran Akram, IA Cement Ltd, UK, provides an update on the cement markets across the MENA region. This is an abridged article from the November 2013 issue of World Cement.

The new cement plant would supply demand arising from the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, including housing and the construction of a dam.

Dangote Cement’s pan-African expansion continues with the announcement of a US$350 million investment in Niger. Back home in Nigeria, Lafarge is planning to expand capacity to meet expected demand growth.

Cement output in Iran is up 4% so far this calendar year, and the country is on track to reach its target of 80 million t this year.

Citadel Capital has released a Business Review, looking at the performance of its key industry divisions, including cement.

The Tunisian cement plant was officially opened at a ceremony on 5 October.