Africa & The Middle East

Nigeria’s UniCem has announced the beginning of construction work on its new 2.5 million plant.

The Tunisian government will cut subsidies for cement in June 2014, which could lead to an increase in construction costs.

Demand for cement in Zimbabwe has been affected by stagnant activity in the construction sector and difficult economic conditions.

Cement sales in Saudi Arabia totalled 4.59 million t in February 2014, a 3% y/y decrease against 4.74 million t recorded in the same month a year earlier.

In response to nationwide concern over building collapse, Dangote Cement has re-calibrated its Nigerian cement plants to produce 52.5 grade cement.

Egyptian cement manufacturers may turn to coal as a source of energy as recent power shortages have forced rates production to drop.

The Royal Academy of Engineering has launched the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, while the Engineering Council welcomes the UK government’s Trailblazer apprenticeship plans.

Cement demand in Oman is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 6% over the next four years, due to an increase in construction activity and government funded infrastructure projects.

Ciments de l’Afrique (CIMAF) has signed an agreement with the government of Ghana for the construction of a €60 million cement facility in Tema, Ghana.

Oman Cement Company plans to secure a US$39 million loan from an Omani bank to finance a new cement mill system.

Dangote Cement has received the blessing of Kenya’s Deputy President after a visit to the Obajana plant.

Lafarge Cement is planning to invest around €1 billion in expansion programmes in Nigeria and approximately $US 20 million in order to boost production in Zimbabwe.

Reports in the press suggest that a new 1.5 million tpa will be built at a cost of more than US$292 million.

The South African cement producer will sponsor the Fulton Awards 2015, organised by the Concrete Society of Southern Africa and described as the ‘Oscars’ of the country’s concrete industry.

Fritz & Macziol has supplied Moroccan cement producer Ciments de l’Atlas (CIMAT) with its IT-Logistic solution, VAS.