Africa & The Middle East

The Green Building Council of South Africa has appointed Seana Nkhahle from the South African Local Government Association as its new Chairman.

Lafarge has extended the closing date for the MTO applicable to minority shareholders of Ashaka Cement in Nigeria, and is reportedly buying back a <15% stake in Lafarge India.

At a forum sponsored by Qalaa Holdings, owner of ASEC Cement, it was announced that the two countries had formed a permanent council to promote trade opportunities.

A group of Qatari investors has met with Ethiopia’s president to discuss plans to invest US$500 million in the country.

Dickinson Group of Companies announces appointments to its senior management team in line with its strategy to enhance its operations in South Africa and expand its presence elsewhere in the continent.

Oman Cement Company’s initial, unaudited financial results indicate a 12.8% y/y decline in net profit after tax in 2014.

Saudi Arabia’s largest cement company, Saudi Cement, reported an 8.9% rise in fourth quarter net profit, beating analysts’ forecasts.

Reports today show the mixed views on the potential merger of the two South African cement companies.

The Kenyan cement company says that SAP HANA® keeps the business running better.

Boldrocchi Ecologia has successfully completed the commissioning and start-up of new air pollution control equipment for Suez Cement’s Sokhna plant.

Two new ETA Coolers have been ordered for El Arish Cement, following the successful operation of two existing coolers from Claudius Peters.

HeidelbergCement subsidiary Scancem, in partnership with Maxime Cardoz, has applied to IFC for a loan of €11 million to fund the new plant.

A subsidiary of Bamburi Cement has been granted a US$5 million loan, while Athi River Mining is warned against buying land directly from residents in Kitui county.

Local cement sales increased in South Africa in 3Q14, according to reports, while Kenya’s cement industry is seeing the benefit of demand from public and private construction projects.

Beijing Triumph International Engineering Co., Ltd has reportedly completed all activities for civil work, installation of steel structures, equipment installation and electrical installation for the 2 x 5000 tpd cement production lines.