Sub-Saharan Africa is currently the fastest-growing cement market in the world with consumption per capita significantly below the global average of 513kg, averaging just 280kg in South Africa, 187kg in Ghana, 126kg in Nigeria, 80kg in Kenya and just 16kg in Democratic Republic of Congo.
This surge in cement demand is a result of rapid urbanisation, new constructions and infrastructure projects.
It is estimated that sub-Saharan Africa needs to add 10-15Mta capacity over the next 10 years to meet the market’s growing demand. Major players in the region (Dangote Industries, LafargeHolcim, PPC) continue to increase their installed capacity within the continent. Although many countries in this part of Africa have large unmet demands for cement, some analysts suggest that there might be too much new capacity. Furthermore, exporters continue to exert pressure on the markets with lower-priced imports from countries such as China and Pakistan.
In this current harsh economic and dynamic business environment, which is characterised by recession, increased competition and globalisation, it is imperative that every cement manufacturer streamlines its processes, maximizes their overall equipment effectiveness and swiftly adopts proven cost reduction mechanisms to remain competitive.