Africa & The Middle East

Paul Maxwell-Cook takes a look at the economic developments in Oman impacting the cement industry.

Cameroon and Dangote Group recently signed a US$115 million investment agreement for the construction of a composite cement production plant, which will result in the production of 1.5 million tpa of cement in Douala, Cameroon.

According to an Equity Research Cement Sector survey, Tanzania's cement production is expected to exceed the region rate of 13% and grow by 18% by the end of this year.

The BPI predicts that Mozambique’s cement production capacity could triple by 2013, as the industry plays an increasingly important role in the country’s economy. Meanwhile, Nigeria is to set up a Cement Technology Institute in an attempt to position the country as a net exporter of cement.

Iran’s President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has announced that the country has joined the ranks of the world’s major cement exporters with the inauguration of new capacity.

ASEC Engineering, a Portfolio Company of ASEC Holding, has signed three 5-year contracts to manage new cement plants that will create over 750 jobs in Egypt’s Qena, Beni Suef and Assuit governorates

An MoU has been signed between the Nigerian Bauchi State government and C&C International from Florida, USA, to establish a cement company.

Dangote Cement plc reports Q2 results and Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc produces first clinker from Ewekoro II plant.

Billions of dollars worth of investment opportunities are expected to be announced by Iraq’s Minister of Industry and Minerals, H.E. Mr Ahmad Nassir Al-Karbooli, on 7 September at Iraq Mining 2011 in London.

Karanta Kalley, IHS Global Insight, USA, assesses the economic rebound in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A look at the seldom reported picture of Iraq’s recovery, its implications for infrastructure restorations, foreign investment and future outlook.

MK Einat Wilf recently called on the country’s Prime Minister to open the cement market to competition in order to reduce housing and rental prices.

Raysut Cement has added a second cement carrier to its fleet, with a capacity of 16 000 t.

A successful joint venture in South Africa has led to the construction of a fourth flyash silo for the cement manufacturer.

Pretoria Portland Cement plans to up production by 30% at its Pretoria plant after investment in new technology.