Africa

StripesnSigns on the fast track in East and Central Africa StripesnSigns by Edgepoint Company Ltd, a construction company in Tanzania that began their operations in 2011 has won all 6 major Tanzanian Road Marking contracts in the financial year of 2019/2020. The contracts consist of Road Marking works and supply and installation of road furniture …

South Africa is embracing the benefits of Plastic Roads The South African Department of Science and Innovation together with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research are hard at work on an experimental project that will effectually evaluate the viability of using plastic weight in road construction. There is a lot of plastic waste being …

Anglo American leading the way with IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining Anglo American announces that its Unki platinum mine in Zimbabwe is the first to publicly commit to be independently audited against the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance’s (IRMA) ‘Standard for Responsible Mining’. IRMA’s Standard for Responsible Mining has been developed over ten years through …

AfDB signs $28.8m grant with Somalia for road and water projects The African Development Bank Group on 27 August 2019 signed two grants for $28.8 million for road and water supply projects to improve livelihoods in Somalia and boost resilience. The grants, approved by the Bank’s Board on 19 July 2019, confirm sustained efforts, especially …

UK to boost infrastructure in the poorest countries with UK aid The International Development Secretary, the Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP has announced a new Commission to bring together leading experts to turbo-charge quality infrastructure projects in developing countries with UK Aid. The Commission will be made up of UK and international business leaders, bringing …

MB Crusher turns a complex jobsite on Mayotte into a piece of cake Mayotte is an island of 250,000 people that is part of the Comoros archipelago of islands off southeast Africa. With sandy beaches, coconut trees and one of the largest lagoons in the world, this beautiful blissful scene seemed to be perfect. However, …

Islamic Development Bank approves $325m for projects in member countries The Board of Executive Directors of Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has approved several projects worth US $325 million for Burkina Faso, Kazakhstan, and Mozambique. The approvals also include a Technical Assistance Loan to Suriname and a Waqf (endowment) project through the Islamic Solidarity Fund for …

AfDB and Ethiopia sign $98m grant for first phase of Ethiopia-Djibouti transport corridor The government of Ethiopia and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) have signed a $98 million grant agreement from the African Development Fund (ADF) to help finance phase one of the Ethiopia-Djibouti Road Transport Corridor Project. The agreement was signed by Ahmed …

Doka and Waco Africa and Form-Scaff sign exclusive Formwork agreement Austrian formwork company Doka GmbH has signed a distribution agreement with South-African-based Waco Africa Pty Ltd for the exclusive distribution of Doka products and systems across sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. The agreement which came into effect on 1st August 2019 will see …

AfDB 5 priorities are making a vital contribution to Africa’s integration The African Development Bank (AfDB) is delivering on its ambitious goals and making positive progress in achieving their development and operational targets. This is according to the 2019 Annual Development Effectiveness Review (ADER), which the Bank released at the Annual Meetings held from 11-14 …

ADF supports Eastern Corridor Development Programme in Ghana with $81.7m loan The African Development Fund (ADF) has approved an $81.67 million loan to co-finance sections of the 695-km Eastern Corridor Development Road Programme in Ghana, linking the capital, Accra with the northern hinterland and across the borders to the Sahel region. The decision was taken …

EIB funds €80m to reduce congestion in Greater Casablanca The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Société Nationale des Autoroutes du Maroc (ADM) announced an €80m financing agreement today. This agreement aims to finance third-lane works on a 57.5 km section of the Casablanca motorway in order to reduce traffic congestion in Greater Casablanca, improve transport …

Ebonyi State road in Nigeria upgrade to get US$167.6m funding The African Development Bank Group approved a US$70 million loan for a road project in Nigeria’s South Eastern Ebonyi State. The Bank will provide US$40 million, while its co-financier, the Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF), will contribute US$30 million. The Islamic Development Bank is also …

Modernisation of Tamale Airport in Ghana financed by KfW IPEX-Bank KfW IPEX-Bank is supporting the expansion of Tamale Airport in northern Ghana with a loan of US$80 million. The loan is covered by government export credit insurance of the UK Export Finance (UKEF) agency. The contractor is the British subsidiary of QGMI, an internationally operating …

Franki Africa’s expertise is bridging communities in Botswana A magnificent bridge over the Okavango River in the Mohembo Village area which is being piled by Keller’s Franki Africa for main contractor Itinera/Cimolai JV is a shining example of Franki’s diverse strengths. The bridge, which connects villages on the east of the river with the rest …

SANRAL to ramp up South Africa’s infrastructure investment SANRAL is ramping up its investment in road infrastructure back to familiar levels through its R70bn medium term budget allocation to implement construction and maintenance projects across the country. “This increased investment will rejuvenate the construction and engineering sectors, create jobs and support the growth of small …

EU supports rebuilding the road connection between Eritrea and Ethiopia Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica is visiting Eritrea, where he has launched an initial €20 million project to rebuild the road connection between the Ethiopian border and Eritrean ports. During his visit, Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica meets with …

The 4th Africa Road Infrastructure and Investment Congress 2019 The 4th Africa Road Infrastructure and Investment Congress 2019 is the African continent’s most prominent event, which brings together the key financiers, investors, multilateral investment institutions, Government ministries, regulators, public and private sector stakeholders to discuss how these various elements fit together and how to successfully …

Kenya prioritising non-motorized transport to enhance road safety A majority of trips in Kenya are made by walking and cycling, with only 15% made by private cars, most of which take place in the capital, Nairobi. Yet until now, priorities on the streets did not serve the needs of the majority. For decades, plans throughout …

Sweco to plan a new sustainable district for Rwanda’s capital Kigali Rwanda’s government plans to develop a new district for low and middle-income residents in Kigali. The project is part of the state strategy for the development of sustainable and energy-efficient living spaces. “Sweco will work closely together with residents and public authorities to support …

Rural Northern KwaZulu Natal to benefit from SANRAL projects and jobs Communities in far-flung rural areas in Northern KwaZulu Natal Road have not been overlooked by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). They have been provided with safer walkways for pedestrians and periodic road maintenance has been carried out on crucial routes …

Liebherr crawler excavators playing a key role at South African coal mine With an existing fleet of more than 130 machines, the Liviero Group purchased two R 976 crawler excavators, as well as other machines, for overburden, coal mining and loading dumper trucks in the Keaton Energy coal mine in Middleburg, South Africa. After more …

AfDB and ECOWAS sign study agreement for Abidjan to Lagos Corridor Highway The African Development Bank and the Economic Community Of West African States Commission (ECOWAS) have signed an agreement for a study into a 1,000 kilometre highway linking Cote d’Ivoire’s commercial capital Abidjan, to Lagos in Nigeria, marking a new step in building regional …

Dakar Regional Express Trains funded by AfDB are handed over in Senegal African Development Bank contributes €182.9 million to landmark project The daily one-hour commute between the densely populated Senegalese capital and the new suburb of Diamniadio, will soon be cut in half when the new Regional Express Train (TER) comes into service. At an …

4 International consortia shortlisted for Uganda’s Kampala Jinja Expressway project On 18 December 2018, the Honourable Minister of Works and Transport publicly announced the outcome of the Pre-Qualification Evaluation Process of the Kampala Jinja Expressway PPP Project. A public opening of requests for pre-qualification applications was carried out on 3 September 2018, where eight Consortia …

EIB approves €3.8 billion in financing for transport, energy, business and water supply During the COP24 global climate conference in Katowice, the Board of the European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved investment worth hundreds of millions of Euros for projects to fight climate change and help countries to deal with its consequences. Among these projects …

BOAD finances interchange, viaduct and 10km of urban roads in Mali Mr. Christian Adovelande, President of the West African Development Bank (BOAD), and Dr. Boubou Cissé, Minister of Economy and Finance of Mali signed a loan agreement totaling XOF25 billion (West African CFA franc) for the construction of an interchange, a viaduct and the development …

European Investment Bank supports €495m transformational investment across Africa At the Africa‑Europe High‑Level Forum in Vienna today the European Investment Bank formally agreed a total of €495 million of new financing for three projects to support sustainable transport, clean energy and internet access projects in North, West and East Africa. The three projects, signed at …

Bauxite mining in Guinea with Surface Miners maximizes profitability West African Guinea is known for possessing the largest reserves of high-quality bauxite in the world. This potential has prompted the country to continually expand its bauxite mining sector in recent years, making substantial investments. Wirtgen surface miners are playing a decisive role in this development process, …

New Holland launches technical training programme in Ethiopia New Holland has launched a new course to train technicians for agricultural equipment and engines in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The course is part of the TechPro2 vocational programme launched by CNH Industrial with the aim to involve local communities in advanced training specifically tailored for young people …

African Development Bank approves €17.96 million Ring-Road project in Cameroon The African Development Bank has approved a €17.96 million loan to the Republic of Cameroon to finance the construction of a Ring-Road Project in the North-West Province of the country. The Ring Road project, which falls under phase three of the country’s Transport Sector Support Programme, …

New app from SANRAL puts South African’s ahead of the flow Commuters on the go now have access to the new SANRAL App that enables them to check and top-up the balances on their electronic toll accounts in real time. This app helps to make travelling on the SANRAL road network easier and more comfortable …

SANRAL erects fence to protect world’s smallest desert in South Africa One of South Africa’s best-kept conservation secrets lies 170 kilometres south of Durban and is considered to be the smallest desert in the world. The Red Desert gets its name from the scarlet colour of the sand and is situated on a hillside overlooking the …

Revolutionary Stirling Engine converts residual gas into electricity With a groundbreaking Stirling engine from the Swedish environmental technology company Ripasso Energy, the largest “waste-to-energy” project of its kind ever implemented in Africa may be realised. Carbon dioxide emissions are reduced dramatically when residual gases are converted into electricity. Lesjöfors supply a punched and bended part …

South Africa’s iconic Mount Edgecombe Interchange officially opened today Five years after the first pile was driven into the ground for major upgrading, the iconic Mount Edgecombe Interchange was officially opened today by Minister of Transport Blade Nzimande. He described the interchange as “a veritable civil engineering work of art” and said it was a …

South African highways project at Hartbeespoort Dam set to relieve congestion Traffic flow in the Hartbeespoort Dam is set to improve as construction work on the R512-PWV3 is making good progress. The estimated completion date is December 2019. Once the project is done, motorists will enjoy a free flow of traffic and there will be …

SANRAL and Wirtgen sign MoU to level the playing field for smaller contractors The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) and Wirtgen Group South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will give small enterprises better access to the road construction machinery they need to execute major SANRAL-owned projects. The agreement will afford small …

SINN Power brings green wave energy to Guinea The German startup SINN Power is conducting a feasibility study on the potential of wave energy and other renewable technologies on behalf of a customer in Guinea. A stable power supply is by no means a matter of course for the inhabitants of the West African country …

Kilimanjaro Summit Success in Aid of Maggie’s Cambridge Ramsey based company SidewinderUK.com supported their Finance Director Dawn Phillips and her friend Tina Cross who has recently returned from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for local cancer charity Maggie’s Cambridge. “It’s a privilege to be able to give something back to our local community and …

Sub-Saharan Africa construction growth faster than any world region over next five years Sub-Saharan Africa will have the fastest growing construction industry among all major regions in the world over the next five, years growing on average by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) by 6.6% a year, from 2018 to 2022, according to GlobalData, …

Village access roads completed near Port St Johns in South Africa The construction of two village access roads that will ensure increased road safety and all-weather access at the R61 junction outside Port St Johns, have been completed, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) announced. The project included the upgrading of a …

AfDB funds Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire road and transportation links The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank gave the green light for the launch of the second phase of the Mano River Union (UFM) programme, which would improve roads and facilitate transport between Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire. This second phase consolidates road rehabilitation …

Surface miners dig up extra savings for coal mining Mine operators for some time now have been increasingly turning to an alternative to conventional rip-and-stack or drill-and-blast coal mining: the use of surface miners. Diverse studies and tests show that surface miners offer considerable advantages in terms of both economic efficiency and the final product. …

Nairobi to Addis Ababa road boosting trade the Horn of Africa The 895-km highway corridor linking Kenya and Ethiopia has not only eased cross-border traffic between the two countries, but is a major push for economic integration within Africa, resulting in jobs and improved livelihoods across the Horn of Africa region. In 2006, the project …

European Investment Bank supports The Great North Road for Zambians The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €110 million (ZMK 1.27 billion) concessional loan with the Zambian Ministry of Finance in support of the Great North Road (T2), to be followed shortly by the signature of an EU grant of €72.45m that will complement EIB …

BAM Nuttall delivers UK training for Sierra Leone Water Rehabilitation Project Leading construction and engineering company BAM Nuttall has brought seven local operatives, from its Freetown Water Rehabilitation project in Sierra Leone, to the CITB’s National Construction College (NCC) to complete excavator and lifting operations training. With the project being undertaken on behalf of the …

Africa Road Infrastructure & Investment Congress Date: 19 – 21 November 2018 Country: Kenya Location: Nairobi, Kenya Website: www.bitumenexchange.com/arc-nairobi2018 Details: The Sub-Saharan Africa Road Infrastructure and Investment Congress is an initiative brought via the Global Networking Platform for highway professionals and associated industries – The Bitumen Exchange. “Accelerating Road Development” In the light of a call …

European Investment Bank funds Seychelles main harbour expansion During a public ceremony held in the presence of H.E. Danny Faure, President of the Republic of the Seychelles, agreements were signed between the European Investment Bank, the European Union and the Seychelles Ports Authority to finance the rehabilitation and expansion of the commercial part of the …

Cairo to Cape Town road links Tanzania to the rest of Africa Rehema Tukai grew up in Kondoa and works in Dodoma, Tanzania’s capital city. Until now, visiting her family in Kondoa involved a five-hour journey along a bumpy and dusty road. Thanks to a new road co-funded by the African Development Bank, it takes …

The top five mines in the world Many necessities of modern life rely on mined materials – but where are these minerals coming from and what exactly makes them so impressive? 1. AS GOOD AS GOLD – KALGOORLIE SUPER PIT, Australia Located in Western Australia the Kalgoorlie Super Pit is one of the largest open …

Sacyr Foundation collaborates with NGOs to supply water in Makuyu, Kenya The Sacyr Foundation has signed an agreement to with two NGOs in Kenya for a project to install about 5.5 km of pipes, plus the manholes and necessary connections, to supply drinking water to the villages of Kaseve and Kitune (Muranga district) with a …

Cape Verde to host first SINN Power wave energy project With the signed agreement between SINN Power and Fazenda de Camarão, SINN Power is all set to begin the company’s first commercial wave energy project on Cape Verde. For hundreds of years, huge waves have crashed onto the long, rocky shores of São Vicente. Still, …

Sacyr Mutu-Ya-Kevela School project opened by President of Angola The President of the Republic of Angola, Joao Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, has inaugurated the Liceo Mutu-Ya-Kevela School in Luanda following the comprehensive rehabilitation undertaken by Sacyr Somague, a subsidiary of Sacyr Ingeniería e Infraestructuras for US$22 million. Sacyr Somague has carried out the integral rehabilitation of …

AfDB funds 208 km road rehabilitation and widening project in Rwanda The Government of Rwanda in partnership with African Development Bank (AfDB) through the African Development Fund (AfDF), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the European Union (EU) funding the Kagitumba-Kayonza-Rusumo road (208km) project. The ground breaking ceremony for the multi-national road was officiated …

KwaMhlanga doubles roadwork production with Rapidmix Mobile Continuous Concrete Plant Rapid International Ltd based in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, has recently supplied KwaMhlanga Group in Gauteng province, South Africa, with a new Rapidmix 400CW mobile continuous concrete mixing plant for production of road subbase in South Africa. KwaMhlanga Group is a large, diverse, civil engineering …

Schmidt Sweeper keeps the Kenyan Air Force clean Runways, taxiways and aprons are at the heart of any airport operation, and that includes the airfields operated by the Kenya Air Force (KAF). Absolute cleanliness across all surfaces is a top priority — a jet engine (or jet turbine) has the capacity to draw in just …

Snøhetta unveils The Arch, a Monument for Archbishop Desmond Tutu The Arch for Arch stands as a tribute to the human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, affectionately known as “Arch” by fellow South Africans, as well as a monument to peace and democracy. Designed by Snøhetta and Johannesburg-based Local Studio, …

The changing face of Sierra Leone’s diamond mines Koidu-based Meya Mining is employing and training local operators, helping to improve international perceptions of Sierra Leone’s diamond trade. To say that Sierra Leone is rich in resources would be an understatement. Rutile, bauxite, gold and iron ore all number among the country’s abundant minerals. However, it’s …

Kasco Mining choose Rapidmix Concrete Mixing Plant for Mine Backfill in Tanzania Rapid International has recently supplied Kasco Construction Ltd (Mwanza, Tanzania) with a new Rapidmix mobile continuous concrete mixing plant for production of mine backfill within a mine in the North Mara region of Tanzania. Kasco Mining and Construction Ltd is a subsidiary of …

Smith Power Equipment to flex construction muscle at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018 South African importation and distribution company, Smith Power Equipment, represents leading global brands in the specialist machinery, turf maintenance and off-road vehicle market. They will be exhibiting at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA to demonstrate their relentless expansion into the construction industry, with a line-up of …

Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund celebrates successful 2017 The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) ended 2017 with ten transactions signed and all its key performance indicators achieved. The new transactions represent US$200 million in loan commitments, bringing EAIF’s committed loan portfolio to US$750 million. The Fund is rapidly approaching having 45 active projects in its portfolio, …

Wirtgen, Vögele, Hamm, Kleemann, Benninghoven and Ciber at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018 The Wirtgen Group South Africa will use the upcoming bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018 to showcase its innovative solutions for road construction and rehabilitation as well as for mining and mineral processing from across its group of internationally operating companies, comprising Wirtgen, Vögele, Hamm, …

Ghana announces tenders for Eastern Railway and Boankara Port project The Government of Ghana has re-emphasised the need to involve the private sector in the development of public infrastructure by promoting a robust PPP agenda. Through the Ministry of Railways Development and the Ghana Railway Development Authority, the Government intends to pursue a PPP arrangement …

SMT Africa supplies Sennebogen Green Line to Northern, Western and Central Africa SMT Africa signed a dealership agreement with Sennebogen to cover Northern, Western and Central Africa. The deal, signed at the end of 2017, sees SMT Africa supply Sennebogen Green Line material handling equipment for applications including Port, Recycling and Mining. Sennebogen, one of …

Lagos Wooden Tower introduces green construction to Africa’s largest city Hermann Kamte, young Cameroonian architect and the founder of company Hermann Kamte & Associates (HKA), is the driving force behind the famous sketch of Lagos Wooden Tower. Originally designed as a submission for Metsä Wood’s City Above the City competition, Kamte’s design looks to tackle …

Rehabilitation of Camps Bay Drive in Cape Town relies on Wirtgen Cold Recycling Camps Bay Drive is a major scenic route within the City of Cape Town and provides access to Camps Bay and Hout Bay. Based on the project brief and geometric analysis, Camps Bay Drive required widening to safely accommodate the high volumes …

Colas UK helps secure loan for construction of Hoima Int’l Airport in Uganda Colas UK has revealed its new direction as a transport infrastructure company able to compete for the largest projects both in the UK and overseas. The signing of a £215m deal in the Autumn, supported by the largest ever loan to an …

Groupe ADP wins 15 International Airport contracts Groupe ADP, through its subsidiary ADP Ingénierie, recently won a series of contracts with major international airports for design, study, or technical assistance projects. According to Gratien Maire, CEO of ADP Ingénierie, this series of contract testifies a two-fold observation: “the recognition of our company’s 360° expertise all …

AfDB approves US$153m to improve road and rail transportation in Namibia To help speed up travel and transportation in Namibia, the Board of the African Development Bank has approved a loan of ZAR 2,000 million (US$ 153 million) to the Government of Namibia to upgrade a 210km stretch of railway in the west of the …

New Wirtgen W210XP milling machine is a champion performer in its weight class With the W210XP, the Wirtgen experts have extended their comprehensive product range with a new high-performance machine. Combining tremendous engine power with an application-optimized machine transport weight, this machine has added a trump card to the deck within its class. Professional machine …

AfDB approves €122m loan for Tunisia Road Improvement Project The Board of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a loan of €112 million to help finance the North-East Road Connectivity Support Project in Tunisia. The project aims to make the Tunisian economy more competitive through supporting the growing demand for the traffic of …

Total Blasting water jetting solutions critical for South African refinery shutdown South Africa’s leading water jetting solutions provider, Total Blasting, has supplied its specialised high-pressure pumps and associated tooling for the cleaning of plant and equipment at Sasol’s Secunda refinery during a critical annual shutdown regarded as one of the biggest of its kind on …

EIB finances new 17km suburban rapid transit system in Tunis The European Investment Bank (EIB) is strengthening its support for the development of efficient and sustainable urban transport infrastructure accessible to Tunisians living in the country. More than 15,600 jobs will be created in the Tunis suburbs thanks to the development of this railway project, …

Kubota L45 a natural choice for 2Hire in South Africa Having been in the plant hire business since 2006, a plant hire company that specialises in the rental of compaction equipment, is well aware of the dangers of compromising quality when it comes to selection of equipment. Consequently, when 2Hire recently scouted for a tractor …

AfDB funded Thika Highway continues to impact Kenyan lives five years on The long-standing partnership between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Kenya to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth has produced excellent results. One of the most prominent fruits of this partnership is the eight-lane ultra-modern expressway which most Kenyans affectionately …

AfDF paves way for Guinea-Sierra Leone road reconstruction with €48 million The Boards of the African Development Bank Group have approved funding of €48 million from the African Development Fund (ADF) for the reconstruction of the border road from Guinea to Sierra Leone. The project, jointly funded by the African Development Fund, the European Union …

Rwanda seeks technical consultants to support Road Maintenance Fund and Transport Development The Government of the Republic of Rwanda has received financing from the Nigeria Technical Cooperation Fund through the African Development Bank toward the cost of Technical advisory services to support the Rwanda Road Maintenance Fund and Rwanda Transport Development Agency. It is intended …

Environmental and social impact of expanding Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is Kenya’s largest aviation facility, and the busiest airport in east and central Africa. It serves as a transit hub for major airlines as well as the gateway for visitors to other Africa’s airports. The airport also serves …

Bechtel signs contract for 473 km Nairobi to Mombasa Expressway in Kenya The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is set to roll out the construction of the 473 Kilometres Nairobi to Mombasa (A8) Expressway following the formal signing of the Commercial Agreement with Bechtel Kenya, a global leader in designing and constructing motorways. The project …

Fort Portal-Kamwenge Road in Uganda commissioned President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda has commissioned the 66km Fort Portal-Kamwenge road. This road runs from Kamwenge District to Fort Portal town in Kabarole District. The contractor was the China Railway Seventh Group, and the project cost was US$ 33.3 million, which was financed by the World Bank …

Wirtgen South Africa debuts new MS 953 EVO triple-deck mobile screen Wirtgen South Africa will soon introduce the new Kleemann MOBISCREEN MS 953 EVO triple-deck mobile classifying screen to its Southern African customers. Characterised by short tooling times, particularly good transport and quick setup properties, its key value proposition is, however, the very big safety …

Zambia to get US$1.2bn highway from China Work has commenced on construction of a strategic road project that connects the southern and central parts of the country to the mining towns in the Copperbelt province of Zambia. The contractor is China Jiangxi Corporation for International Economic and Technical Cooperation (CJIC), and the cost of the …

Concrete hydrodemolition technology used in Johannesburg bridge rehabilitation Major structural repairs to the M1 North highway bridges over Oxford and Federation Roads in Johannesburg were recently completed. The removal of superfluous concrete in preparation was made possible through hydrodemolition, which was successfully undertaken by Total Blasting, South Africa’s leading water jetting solutions company. Commissioned by …

Mburg Mini Plant in South Africa relies on Kubota mini-excavator for tight access Tight working areas are the order of the day in Mburg Mini Plant’s line of work, and to prevail over space-constrained jobsites, the Western Cape-based company recently took delivery of a 3 t Kubota U30-6 mini-excavator from Smith Power Equipment (SPE), South …

South Africa awards N2 Wild Coast Bridge Tender to Stabag JV The tender for the much anticipated Mtentu bridge, which forms part of the N2 Wild Coast road (N2WC) project has been awarded, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) announced today. Construction of the bridge is set to start in early November …

Zambia announces EOI for Consultancy for Chinsali to Nakonde Road Rehabilitation project The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) has received financing from the African Development Bank toward the cost of the Chinsali to Nakonde Road Rehabilitation Project (North-South Corridor) and intends to apply part of the proceeds to cover eligible payments under the …

15 km HDPE water supply pipeline for new Mozambique graphite mine The Australian industrial minerals and technology company is to represent the largest graphite resource with multiple projects at Balama in Mozambique and efforts are under way to leverage this unique mineral. One such project is the recent construction of a new graphite mine, which …

Rwanda lays foundation stone of Bugesera International Airport On the 9th of August, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame laid the foundation stone of the country’s newest transportation hub, the Bugesera International Airport. “I am pleased to join you today to break ground for this important national project. We are as determined as you are to see …

Ghana targets 5 million passengers yearly with AfDB funded international airport expansion The construction of a new terminal at Ghana’s flagship airport, Kotoka International Airport, is expected to make the country a destination of choice with a yearly target of 5 million passengers. The project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) with a $120-million …

Emerging Africa Investment Fund backs expansion at two Madagascar airports Two airports in Madagascar are to have their runways, passenger terminal facilities and allied infrastructure upgraded and expanded in a EUR 215 million project being supported by the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF / the Fund). The Fund is providing senior debt of EUR 25 …

ALE complete Mine transport project in South Africa ALE has successfully transported 30 components making up two new Sandvik bucket wheel stacker reclaimers inside Richards Bay Coal Terminal, South Africa in June. The components weighed between 16 tonnes and 139 tonnes and ranged in dimension, with the widest measuring 10 metres, the highest measuring 18.9 …

STRABAG to build €72m Thiba Dam in Kenya to secure future water supplies STRABAG, the publicly listed technology group for construction services, has been commissioned to build the Thiba Dam in Kenya. The Dam will help secure the year round water supply for the country’s agriculture. “The 40 m tall and 1 km long dam …

Uganda releases procurement notice for 78.5km road upgrade project The Government of Uganda has received a loan (No: 2100150032194) from the African Development Fund (ADF) towards the cost of the Road Sector Support Project (RSSP) V, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this loan to payments under the contract for upgrading …

Colas wins contract to build rail extension for Tramway of Rabat in Morocco The Tramway Company of Rabat-Salé (STRS) has entrusted Colas Rail and GTR, a road subsidiary of Colas in Morocco with the construction of the extension of line 2 of the Rabat-Salé tramway. The extension will serve the district of Yacoub Al Mansour …

SMT Nigeria supporting mining company AshakaCem a subsidiary of Lafarge Africa SMT Nigeria has signed a rental contract with a key player in the cement industry, Lafarge Holcim. SMT is delivering 13 Volvo machines and Volvo trucks for a long term full service rental contract to AshakaCem a subsidiary of Lafarge Africa from January 2017. …

Port of Dar-es-Salaam to get US$345 Million refurbishment   A US$345 million credit is being given to upgrade the Port of Dar-es-Salaam About 35% of the cargo at the port is in transit to/from Tanzania’s landlocked neighbours The volume of cargo is projected to almost triple by 2030 In Abdigi Ramadhani’s 13 years as a …

Nampak Glass installs 1km gas pipeline to create new opportunities Nampak Glass has commissioned a 1km-long high pressure underground pipeline, which feeds from the existing Sasol Gas Ltd.’s transmission network and ties into the newly constructed Nampak Pressure Reduction Station (PRS) in Germiston. Implemented for strategic business decisions, the high pressure underground pipeline construction includes …

China funds new 500 km road to connect Mozambique and South Africa Construction of the 500km Mapinhane-Pafuri regional road (N222) road connecting the Vilanculos district to the Mozambique and South African border is expected to begin in May 2018 and be completed three years later. This new road covers the provinces of Inhambane, Gaza and …

KZN dairy farm in KwaZulu reaps the rewards of a Kubota tractor A dairy farmer in KwaZulu-Natal has invested in two Kubota tractors to improve on operational productivity. He is of the mind that returns on such an investment – of which he has already reaped many – should be viewed across the lifespan of …

Consultancy recruitment opens for Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project A Notice for expression of interest has been issued for the Multinational: Benin, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) project for the study on the Abidjan to Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project for the recruitment of a …

Kubota RTV-X900 delivers deep underground With a rich founding history of gold and diamond mining, South Africa remains a leader in deep underground mining as well as safety in this arena, making the transfer of equipment and goods underground a task with little margin for error. Enter the Kubota RTV-X900. While the tasks involved in …

Kleemann Mobiscreen MS 703 EVO mobile screening plant launched in South Africa Wirtgen South Africa, local subsidiary of the Wirtgen Group, global leader in mobile machine solutions for road construction and rehabilitation as well as mining and mineral processing, will soon be launching the much anticipated Kleemann Mobiscreen MS 703 EVO to the South African …

20 million Africans benefit from transport and ICT projects financed by AfDB in 2016 Transport and information and communication technology (ICT) projects financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2016 would have a positive impact on the living conditions of close to 20 million Africans over the next few years. The AfDB made this …

Ethiopia releases procurement notice for expressway consultancy development support The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has applied for financing in the amount of US$355million equivalent from the World Bank towards the cost of the Ethiopia Expressway Development Support Project (Project ID # P148850) and it intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for …

African Development Bank funds US$829 Million for Songwe River Basin Program in Malawi and Tanzania Malawi and Tanzania have agreed to work together for the development of the Songwe River Basin Program (SRBDP). This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between both parties at a ceremony held in Lilongwe, on May 18, 2017. …

University of Twente studies enhanced paving quality delivered by Vögele’s Asphalt PowerFeeder in South Africa A job site in South Africa has demonstrated that the VÖGELE MT 3000-2 Offset PowerFeeder improves pavement quality. Proof comes from the University of Twente, Netherlands, which monitored the project from a scientific perspective – and their equipment included RoadScan, …

Africa and Europe Development grants approved for study into the 1,028 km Abidjan to Lagos Corridor Highway The Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) has released a General Procurement Notice for the study for the Abidjan to Lags Corridor Highway Development Project that passes through the countries of Benin, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo. ECOWAS has …

World Bank approves US$200 Million for rural roads in Zambia The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved a $ 200 million International Development Association (IDA) credit under the IDA17 Scale-up Facility for Zambia to improve selected rural roads in six of Zambia’s ten provinces. Government will finance the remaining four provinces. According to …

Delft Road Safety Course in Ghana highlights the challenges to improving road safety in Africa By Samuel Obeng Asiamah, Course Co-ordinator Delft Road Safety Courses are a joint initiative of the Delft University of Technology, the Foundation of Postgraduate Education at Delft University, SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research and Road Safety for All. These Dutch based …

Apesika Abom Feeder, the story of an AfDB-financed feeder road in Ghana that changed the everyday lives of rural households In many African countries, food security and nutrition continue to be a challenge. To address this in Ghana, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have joined forces to co-finance …

Cameroon invites Expressions of Interest for Consultant Services for 241km Road Rehabilitation The Republic of Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Works has announced a Notice of Interest for Consulting Services on their Transport Sector Support Program phase 2 – Rehabilitation of the Yaoundé-Bafoussam-Babadjou road (241 km) Opinion N ° 60 / AMI / MINTP / SG / DGET …

Angola invites bids for 12km road to support the Artisanal Fishing Community of Yembe An invitation for Bids follows the General Procurement Notice (GPN) for this project which appeared in UNDB online, dated 4th April and 14th April online and on the African Development Bank Group’s Website. 18.04.2017 Loan No: 2100150029045 IFB No: 05/BIDDC/FSSP/017 The Republic of Angola …

Kenya releases procurement notice for services on the LAPSSET Corridor Project – Lamu Port Development The Lapsset Corridor Development Authority in Kenya has received a grant from the African Development Bank/NEPAD – Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF) Special Fund to finance Transaction Advisory services and related technical assistance on the LAPSSET Corridor Project – Lamu Port Development. …

Uganda to Kenya town bypass roads project opens for bidding The Government of Kenya has received a loan from the African Development Bank to finance the Multinational Uganda – Kenya: Kapchorwa to Suam to Kitale & Eldoret Town Bypass Roads Project. The Project is a multinational operation that provides an important link between Uganda and …

Kenya awards China Road and Bridge Corp feasibility and design work for US$169 million Nairobi Western Bypass The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) has signed an agreement with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to carry out feasibility studies and designs for the construction and development of the Nairobi Western Bypass. The Nairobi Western Bypass will be a …

Malawi invites bids for 2017/2018 National Roads Programme The Malawi Roads Authority is inviting sealed bids from contractors following the release of funds on 27th March 2017 for road rehabilitation works under the Road and Bridge Maintenance Programme for the procurement of various Civil Works contracts in the financial period 2017 / 2018 of the …

African Development Bank funds Kenya to Uganda upgrades and construction of new roads to connect the two countries The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) approved USD 253.0 million of loans to the Governments of Kenya (USD 147.3 million) and Uganda (USD 105.7 million) for the upgrading of  118 km road section connecting the two countries …

World Bank helping Tanzania to transform Dar es Salaam’s road transport to reduce traffic World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim and Tanzanian President John Magufuli unveiled the foundation stone for the Ubongo Interchange, which will ease transportation bottlenecks and help businesses. The interchange is supported by a $225 million concessional credit from the International Development …

European Investment Bank pledges extensive support for Kenyan energy and transport projects During an official visit to Kenya, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has pledged new support for projects in the power and transport sectors. Also, at a press conference In Nairobi with Cabinet Secretary for the Treasury Henry K. Rotich, the signature of a …

Ethiopia invites prequalification for Phase 1 of the Ethiopia Integrated Transport Program The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has applied for financing from the African Development Bank (ADB) towards the cost of the Ethiopia Integrated Road Transport Program Phase-I. Contract Name: Jimma – Chida Road Upgrading Project Identification of contract: ICB No. …

China finances US$1.5 Billion for 156km Lagos to Ibadan Rail link in Nigeria Construction work on the Lagos to Ibadan Rail Link was signed on 6th March 2017 for the 156km railway line from the coastal city of Lagos to the inland city of Ibadan – a distance of 156km. The target date for completion …

 African Development Bank funds US$600 Million Bagamoyo to Mombasa Highway The construction of a the highway between Bagamoyo, Tanzania and Mombasa, Kenya along East African’s Coastline is now ready to go ahead following the finalising of plans. This transnational highway will comprise the rehabilitation and upgrading to bitumen standard, and planned to pass by the …

Abidjan-Dakar six-lane US$13 billion highway gets the go ahead Construction of the Abidjan-Dakar Highway Corridor will go ahead after a 1st March 2017 meeting where experts drawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agreed to the construction of a six-lane highway to connect seven coastal countries in West Africa: Ivory Coast, Liberia, …

China Harbour Engineering Company starts work on Zimbabwe’s Beitbridge to Chirundu Highway Project Work on the first phase of the US$ 2.7 Billion 900-kilometre dual carriageway Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu Highway Project is expected to commence this month with the first phase from Beitbridge to Harare valued at US$ 984 Million. The Beitbridge-Chirundu Highway Project was awarded to China …

Development Bank of Southern Africa finances 580km of road reconstruction in Kenya The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has agreed with the Kenya Ministry of Transport to finance reconstruction of a 580km road between Lamu and Isiolo, which is part of the Lamu Port – South Sudan – Ethiopia Transport Project (LAPSSET), with a cost KShs 60 …

COWI Engineers build 60m footbridge for local community in Rwanda The community of Rugusa, Rwanda, is celebrating the opening of a brand new 60 metre footbridge completed by COWI engineers, a local construction team and the NGO Bridges to Prosperity​. The 850-person community of Rugusa, Rwanda, has lost 20 people to date due to the lack of a safe river crossing, with three …

Uganda orders 401 units of roads construction equipment from Komatsu worth US$157 million Komatsu Ltd has recently received an order for 401 units of construction equipment, such as motor graders and wheel loaders for road construction and improvements in 112 regions of Uganda. This is part of the export sales contract valued at US$ 157M …

Chinese built and funded Djibouti-Ethiopia railway opens for business Africa’s first electrified standard gauge railway entered service yesterday between the suburbs of Addis Ababa and its coastal neighbour, Djibouti. The line will cut the time taken to travel the 750km between Ethiopia and the sea from 3 days to just 12 hours. According to Aboubaker …

Tanzania awards a US$1.2 million contract for 300km of Railway The Tanzania Government has awarded a US$ 1.2 million contract to a joint venture of Mota-Engil from Portugal and Yapi Merkezi Insaat VE Sanayi from Turkey for the construction of a 300km section of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network planned for the east African countries …

Bomag machines make an impact in South Africa It is a well-known fact that Bomag machines guarantee a high standard of quality and efficiency at every construction site. However, they can accomplish even more. In South Africa, they have proven that they can function as inspiration for discovering new fields of activity. The Kwa Mhlanga …

Construction starts at Ghana’s new US$1.5 billion Container Terminal Port Construction work began at the Port of Tema in Ghana in January 2017 on a new US$1.5 billion container terminal near the capital of Accra. The terminal will directly create 5,000 jobs, and be operated by Meridian Port Services (MPS), which is mainly owned by two …

New terminal for Julius Nyerere International Airport in Tanzania Prof Makame Mbarawa – the Tanzania Minister for Works, Transport and Communications recently stated that the construction of the new 60,000 square metre terminal at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) was well on course with currently about 65% of the works complete. The construction work is expected to …

Kenya issues Consultancy Tender for Sirari Corridor Accessibility and Road Safety Improvement Project Request for Expression of Interest (EOI) (Consultancy Services) – Tender No. KeNHA/1363/2016. The Government of the Republic of Kenya (GoK) has received financing from the African Development Bank towards the cost of the Sirari Corridor Accessibility and Road Safety Improvement Project; Rehabilitation of Isebania …

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) have approved a US$40.8 Million loan on Friday 16th December 2016 to the Republics of Benin and Togo to finance the upgrading of a 30-kilometre road section linking the capitals of both countries into a four-lane highway, as well as an important programme of coastal …

Multi-national Uganda to Kenya, Kapchorwa – Suam – Kitale & Eldoret Town bypass roads project lot 2 – upgrading of Kitale Endebess Suam tender no. kenha/1474/2016 1. The Government of the Republic of Kenya has applied for financing from the African Development Bank towards the cost of the rehabilitation / upgrading of the Multi-national Uganda …

Kenya Transport Sector Support Project – Rehabilitation of Airside Pavements and Airfield Ground Lighting System at Moi International Airport, Mombasa, Kenya The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) through the Government of Kenya has received funds from Agence Française de Développement (the French Development Agency) and the International Development Association (IDA) towards the cost of the Kenya Transport Sector …

Gangra Haul Road Project UK Contractor – Dawnus International has been awarded its third contract in Liberia for the £10m Gangra Haul Road project for the world’s largest steel manufacturer – ArcelorMittal who is developing three iron ore deposits and a concentrator in the mountains of Nimba County, 300 km northeast of Liberia’s capital, Monrovia. …

Uganda Standard Gauge Railway Project The Uganda government Minister of Works and Transport – Monica Azuba announced that Uganda contractors will participate in the proposed Standard Gauge Railway project and expects that a local content strategy be put in place. The Uganda government had acquired a loan from the Chinese government, and a Chinese contractor …

AfDB supports Road infrastructure upgrade for economic diversification in the Comoros Islands The African Development Bank Group will help the Union of Comoros Government to diversify its economy with a US$20.4 Million road network rehabilitation project grant, approved by the Board of Directors on Monday, 23rd January 2017. The project will be implemented in four …

China funding Uganda’s Kampala to Malaba rail network project Construction is due to commence this year on a 237 km electrified standard-gauge railway line linking the Uganda capital of Kampala to Malaba on the Kenya border. This is the first phase of a railway network designed to improve connections between landlocked Uganda and three neighbouring …

The African Development Bank (AfDB) approved US$ 245 million in loans and grants to the Governments of Uganda and Rwanda to finance a transport project that will boost regional trade and decongest traffic from Kampala (Busega) city to Mpigi. Uganda and Rwanda are landlocked countries and transport infrastructure is a key factor to stimulate socio-economic …

Limpopo Province needs US$660 Million for Road Construction The South African roads sector has been facing many funding and skills challenges resulting from an infrastructure backlog amounting to almost US$ 662 Million. Transport Minister Dipuo Peters recently highlighted the need for the department to bring in people from outside South Africa to assist across the …

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has received loans from the African Development Bank (AfDB) towards the cost of undertaking their Transport Sector Support Programme (TSSP) and intends to use part of the funds to carry out Consultancy Services for Feasibility Study, Environmental & Social Impact Assessment, Detailed Engineering Design and Preparation of …

The Government of the Republic of Kenya has applied for financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB) towards the cost of the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Multi-national Uganda – Kenya: Kapchorwa to Suam to Kitale and Eldoret Town Bypass roads project. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is now inviting sealed bids through International …

The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has applied for financing from the African Development Bank towards the cost of the Ethiopia Integrated Road Transport Programme Phase-I, Jimma – Chida & Sodo – Sawla Road Upgrading Project – 160.7 km It is intended that part of the proceeds of this loan will be …

Namibia’s Roads Authority (RA) has allocated a massive US$39.1 million for road rehabilitation in the regions of Oshana, Ohangwena, and Oshikoto, as well as the two Kavango regions. The programme has already started in the Oshana Region and later will be rolled out to other regions. Currently, rehabilitation projects are underway in the region including: …

Development of the Mintom-Lele-Ntam-Mbalam Road (Congo border) and facilitation of the Yaoundé – Brazzaville Transport Corridor The Republic of Cameroon has received a loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to cover the cost of the proposed development of the Mintom-Lele-Ntam-Mbalam (Congo border), and facilitation of the transport corridor Yaoundé -Brazzaville (Phase 2). It is intended …

Worry and scepticism surround the Brexit debate The effects of the exit will trickle from the UK to Africa and beyond. We look at the impact of Brexit on Africa’s construction industry Shortly before the UK embarked on a voting process on whether to remain or depart from the European Union, construction players in Britain had cautioned against …

Climate-smart Transportation is Key to Development Climate Change Issues According to the World Bank, when it comes to climate change, the transport sector is both a victim and a perpetrator. On the one hand, transport infrastructure is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as higher temperatures, increased precipitation, and flooding. At the same time, transport …

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has announced that the long awaited Magole to Turiani highway in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania will be completed on time by September 2017. This comes barely a week after The Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) raised concerns on how the project was being handled and asked for assurances …

Kenya’s six-lane highway from Nairobi to Mombasa highway project At the US-Africa Business Forum in New York Elizabeth Littlefield, head of the US Government’s Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and California-based construction and engineering firm Bechtel have signed a letter of interest in the construction of Kenya’s Six-Lane highway that is the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway Project. Bechtel …

Kenyan Area-Governor Martin Wambora has announced plans to construct a major international airport in Embu County, which is in the Eastern part of the country at a cost of US$99 Million. Governor Wambora stated that Embu County is in talks with the National Government as well as other partners to ensure the airport project is …

African Development Bank Group approves US$800 million to improve urban transport in Abidjan The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a loan of 769.78 million euros to Côte d’Ivoire aimed at significantly improving urban transport in the city of Abidjan. This financing will contribute to improving the living conditions …

East African Railway Masterplan An exciting grand rail project is being implemented in East Africa to connect the countries in the region with an effective transport systems that will take the strain from the regions busy and overburdened highways network which sees thousands of trucks choking the main roads every single day. The East African …

Abidjan to Lagos Corridor Highway Project spans 5 West African Countries The AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND (ADF) is financing an estimated US$15.59 million study cost for the development of the Abidjan – Lagos Corridor, a section of the longer Dakar-Lagos Corridor, which is part of the Trans African Highway Network within the Economic Community of West …

US$ 74.9M Highway upgrade to connect Mozambique and Tanzania The African Development Bank (AfDB) approved US$ 71.8M grant and USD 3.1M loan to the Government of Mozambique for the construction of a 70km asphalt road section in Northern Mozambique to improve connectivity with Tanzania. This road segment represents a missing link on the transport corridor …

AfDB commits US$92.9m to open up access to Southern Ethiopia On Wednesday 7th December of 2016 in Abidjan, the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) approved USD 57.6M grant and USD 35.3M loan (Approximately USD 92.9 million) to the Government of Ethiopia for the upgrading of 240km of gravel road sections …

Upcoming Project: Road Sector Support Project V, Kampala, Uganda Project: Road Sector Support Project V: Lot 1: Upgrading of Rukungiri – Kihihi – Ishasha / Kanungu Road (78.5 Km) From Gravel to Paved (Bituminous) Standards Client: Uganda National Roads Authority, Kampala, Uganda Website: http://www.unra.go.ug Bid date: 13th December 2016 Updated: 3rd November 2016 Details: SPECIFIC …

Kenya to Southern Sudan Highway gets World Bank funding The World Bank has announced US$512 million in funding for the construction of a link highway between Kenya and South Sudan. The project also includes the laying of fibre optic cable to enhance the communication infrastructure in the region. Robert Mugo, Director of Shared Services at the Kenyan …