Africa & The Middle East

Nigeria-based Dangote Cement saw cement sales of 2 million tpy from its Mugher plant in Ethiopia – including some exports.

Heavy rainfall hit cement demand in South Africa in the first two months of 2017, while prices remain under pressure in the region on the back of capacity increases.

Dangote Cement appears to have pushed back plans to open cement production facilities in Kenya to 2020/2021 – but could continue to import into the East African country from its Ethiopian plant.

Dagnote Cement will begin construction of a coal-fired power plant in Tanzania to supply electricity to its new 3 million tpy cement plant in Mtwara.

A new cement is planned in the Nigerian state of Ogun by Southport Cement, pitting the company against existing Dangote and Lafarge facilities.

El Sewedy Cement Company has placed an order with FLSmidth for the expansion of a production line.

Najran Cement has suspended operations on its second cement production line in response to continued softness in cement demand in Saudi Arabia.

Sinoma International Engineering Co. is to build a US$1 billion cement plant in Tanzania.

Elkon has supplied a producer in Tanzania with a new concrete batching plant.

Elkon has supplied a Kenyan engineering company with a batching plant.

LafargeHolcim had admitted its Syria plant did pay armed groups and sanctioned partiers to ensure plant operations and personnel safety.

Nigerian cement maker, Dangote Cement, saw strong sales growth in Nigeria and around Africa, although higher fuel prices hit the company’s bottom line.

The VDMA has reported on the outlook for the construction equipment industry in 2017.

Elkon has provided a ready-mix company in Kuwait with a mobile batching plant.

Sika has released its results for 2016, indicating positive growth.