Welcome to the second issue of Aggregates Business International, which I hope you enjoy reading as much as you tell us you did the first issue.
It is published at a time when many companies in the industry worldwide are expressing more optimism than they have done for some time.
Reading the recent financial results from such companies, it is obvious that in many instances things are improving. While this will certainly not be to the same degree as it was prior to the financial crisis, strategies are paying off. New markets are being found, and while China and other parts of Asia along with the Middle East are seeing increasing construction, the focus is starting to turn to Africa.
In the coming years, the continent will need massive investments in housing construction along with highway/rail infrastructure to transport goods and minerals. The work has started, and can only gather pace.
This became obvious while writing the Market Report for this issue, and also while visiting a small quarry in Morocco for the Quarry Profile. Part of a bigger group, it is supplying a number of major projects with aggregates and materials.
A recent Business Monitor International market research report says that in coming days the governments in East Africa will shift focus to the elimination of urban slums, which is expected to be a major driver of the region’s construction industry.
The report confirms predictions that the economic boom experienced by countries in the region, many growing at an average rate of 5%, will create demand for urban transport networks.
It is against this background of growth that the first
Contractors will be able to find equipment required to carry out these works, whether it be from companies such as the locally based
Such a show was obviously needed in Africa as the size of the event has been increased a number of times to boast over 500 exhibitors, and it is supported by the world’s major construction equipment associations.
Organised by MMI South Africa (a 100% subsidiary of
“As investors and businesses look towards developing countries for new growth, the mining and construction industries are set to profit from this move,” says Elaine Crewe, chief executive officer of MMI South Africa.
“The need for infrastructure presents a growing opportunity for those present in these sectors to provide services and products throughout developing countries and benefit from this burgeoning growth. The growing pool of international entrants into the African market are a telling sign of just how important Africa is becoming and the need for specialised players in the industry. We trust that bauma Africa will highlight new products in these sectors.”
Given the current success, I am sure the next bauma Africa will attract even more exhibitors, and visitors.
