Construction

BMS: the heartbeat of Africa’s buildings growth

Ajibola_Akindele_Schneider_Electric_West_Africa

Ajibola Akindele, country president, Nigeria, Schneider Electric West Africa (Image source: Schneider Electric)

Building Management System (BMS): The heartbeat of West Africa’s rapid and intelligent buildings growth. By Ajibola Akindele, country president, Nigeria, Schneider Electric West Africa

West Africa continues to experience phenomenal growth; in fact, in according to research and visualisation mapping tool, Africapolis the region is undergoing one of the fastest urban transitions in the world.

Cities like Lagos, Accra, and Abidjan are driven by population growth, rural-to-urban migration, and economic shifts. By 2050, Africa’s urban population is expected to double, with West Africa becoming a hotspot for mega-agglomerations which are, in essence, sprawling urban zones formed by the fusion of multiple cities.

To meet the above, the building industry needs to mobilise, and quickly. This means everything from high-rise apartments to hospitals, hotels, and office complexes must be built or upgraded to keep pace with the region’s rapid urbanisation.

Intelligent buildings

We also have to build smart. For one, buildings cannot afford to compromise on quality; whilst this might realise short-terms savings, the long-term risks are enormous like comprised safety, inefficiency and system failures.

In West Africa, it’s not uncommon to encounter buildings that appear modern externally but conceal outdated or even unsafe systems within. Many clients, often unknowingly, purchase or install equipment that lacks proper certification or isn’t suited to the building’s operational needs, compromising everything from energy efficiency to fire safety.

This is why at Schneider Electric we cannot emphasise how important it is to integrate standards, intelligent infrastructure at the earliest stages of design. And at the heart of this strategy is Building Management System (BMS).

The tangible benefits

BMS is a powerful solution to sustainably manage urban growth. For example, by optimising HVAC, lighting, and power systems, a BMS platform can reduce energy consumption by up to 30–40%. This is particularly valuable in West African cities, where energy supply can be inconsistent and operational costs high.

Indeed, according to a Frost & Sullivan report. BMS systems are increasingly integrated with renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This synergy enables buildings to dynamically adjust energy usage, reduce grid dependency, and achieve up to 30% operational cost savings.

In retrofitted buildings, BMS offers a non-evasive solution, allowing older structures to be upgraded without the need for full-scale reconstruction.

As an example, in Europe and North America, retrofitting older buildings with BMS has, according to various sources, led to measurable sustainability gains. Buildings undergo significant reduction in energy, improved air quality and occupant comfort and enhanced compliance with building certifications.

Safety and reliability are also key concerns in high-density urban environments. Again, a well-integrated BMS can detect electrical faults, prevent system overloads, and coordinate fire and security responses in real time. This is especially important in sectors like healthcare and hospitality, where service continuity is critical and system failures can lead to costly disruptions or reputational damage.

Beyond operational efficiency, BMS plays a strategic role in supporting sustainable urban development. As mentioned, these systems can integrate with renewable energy sources such as solar panels and microgrids, helping cities reduce their carbon footprint. They also support smart water and waste management, vital capabilities in regions facing water scarcity or infrastructure strain.

Historically, BMS was reserved for high-end commercial buildings, but today, the technology is becoming more accessible and scalable. It’s now being deployed in retail outlets, small businesses, and residential developments, extending its benefits across the rapidly growing West African urban landscape.

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How will Komatsu empower Africa’s construction workforce?

Komatsu to open training center in Côte d’Ivoire, boosting skills for Africa’s construction and mining sectors. (Image source: Komatsu)

Komatsu Ltd., led by President and CEO Takuya Imayoshi, will participate in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), scheduled from August 20 to 22 at the Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall

Under the theme “Creating value together through Innovation to empower Africa’s Sustainable Future,” Komatsu will showcase initiatives focused on human resource development, advanced technologies, infrastructure contributions, and corporate social responsibility in Africa.

A centerpiece of Komatsu’s exhibit is its plan to establish a new training center in Côte d’Ivoire, slated for completion in 2026. This facility will serve as a hub for training construction equipment operators and mechanics from distributors, customers, and local communities across West Africa. Initially focused on skills development, the center will use Komatsu Group’s advanced simulators to provide practical training aimed at improving operator proficiency and creating job opportunities. Over time, Komatsu intends to expand the facility’s functions to include equipment stock, parts depot, and marketing capabilities, positioning it as the company’s core facility in West Africa.

To support this goal, Komatsu will demonstrate compact simulators for hydraulic excavators and bulldozers at TICAD 9. These VR-based training tools enable safe, immersive learning experiences and are planned for use at the new training center.

Additionally, Komatsu will display its latest hydraulic excavator model, the PC200i-12, featuring advanced 3D construction capabilities. This equipment enhances operational efficiency and precision, even for less experienced operators, and supports the development of quality infrastructure—an essential element for Africa’s continued growth.

Komatsu has been active in Africa since the 1960s, gradually expanding its footprint by opening offices and distributorships, including a presence in South Africa. With Africa’s rising demand for construction and mining equipment driven by population growth and abundant natural resources, the need for skilled operators and vocational training remains critical.

Currently, Komatsu operates 22 training centers across 15 countries, including facilities in South Africa, Dubai, and Japan. The company is committed to leveraging its expertise in human resource development to address social challenges and support sustainable growth in Africa. Through its initiatives and investments, Komatsu aims to empower the continent’s future by building local talent and strengthening its regional presence.

Infrastructure growth lifts forklift demand

Chinese forklift makers shift focus to Africa as infrastructure growth fuels regional demand and localisation efforts

Chinese manufacturers are keen to localise production in Africa to reduce costs as the market for forklift trucks expands on the back of an infrastructure boom

Infrastructure projects are poised to drive demand for forklifts across Africa by around 4-5% per annum over the next five years, new research suggests. Forklift shipments to the African market in 2024 reached 21,082 units, based on Interact Analysis’ Global Forklift Market report.

Driving demand, it noted, was a surge in new infrastructure projects, particularly in North Africa as well as the Middle East. The research cited Egypt and Saudi Arabia as two thriving markets, though Morocco too is experiencing an infrastructure bonanza as it gears up for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Maya Xiao, research manager at Interact Analysis, says the global forklift market is experiencing notable shifts in 2025, influenced by varying regional growth patterns, ongoing changes in electrification adoption and the implementation of US tariff policies.

The continued international expansion efforts of Chinese companies is also notable, Xiao adds. Chinese vendors appear to have accelerated localised production capacity to get closer to markets and for improved cost efficiencies. The report cites cost reductions of around 15%. With China’s own massive domestic forklift market of around 800,000 units annually now firmly in a replacement-driven plateau phase, Africa also presents a dynamic growth opportunity.

China targets African market

Chinese manufacturers in particular are shifting their global focus and reducing reliance on direct investment in the US market, which is affected by tariffs, while increasing investment into other regions, including Europe and southeast Asia. This increased investment involves establishing localised manufacturing, enhancing service capabilities and acquiring technology.

Read the complete story in out latest issue here

FAMCO and MAR: Strengthening construction across regions

FAMCO supports MAR with Volvo machines, boosting marine and civil construction across Middle East and Africa. (Image source: Volvo CE)

With a robust fleet of Volvo machines provided and supported by Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (FAMCO), MAR Marine & Building Contracting is taking on technically demanding marine and civil construction projects across the Middle East and Africa, delivering efficiency and minimising downtime

Founded in 2018, MAR Marine & Building Contracting has rapidly established itself as a regional leader in marine and civil infrastructure. Headquartered in both the UAE and Lebanon, with projects spanning multiple countries, MAR has completed more than 200 contracts for over 340 clients, an impressive feat for a relatively new player.

Central to MAR’s success is its focus on quality, timely project delivery and customer satisfaction. The company operates across a wide scope—marine works, steel structures, civil construction, dredging, and sea pipeline installations, serving both public and private clients. Each project poses its own set of challenges, especially in harsh coastal settings where machinery must be both durable and reliable.

Engineering excellence in tough marine conditions

Marine and coastal construction is one of the most complex sectors in the industry, requiring resilience against environmental variables such as saltwater corrosion, fluctuating tides and tight regulatory requirements. To meet these challenges, MAR has invested in more than 40 crawler excavators and articulated haulers from Volvo Construction Equipment.

The Volvo machines have become vital assets in operations such as breakwater construction and sand backfilling. Their corrosion-resistant materials, sealed electrical systems and protected hydraulic components are well suited to marine environments. According to MAR, Volvo’s reputation for robust engineering and performance has been instrumental in their ability to deliver on time.

Partnership rooted in trust

FAMCO, Volvo CE’s long-standing dealer in the UAE, supplies and services MAR’s fleet. This relationship is underpinned by shared values of reliability and service excellence.

“Today we take a moment to thank our trusted partner FAMCO for all their support,” said Marwan Nakhoul, project site engineer at MAR. “In our work, success depends on strong partnerships. FAMCO, together with Volvo Construction Equipment, has always been one of our most trusted partners.”

Nakhoul also pointed to how Volvo’s equipment delivers measurable benefits: “Thanks to the high quality of their machines, we’ve had less downtime and finished our work faster and more efficiently. Our partnership with FAMCO is a big reason for our success.”

Supporting growth across borders

As the demand for marine infrastructure grows across the Middle East and Africa, companies like MAR are playing a key role in driving economic development and coastal resilience. With FAMCO and Volvo CE as dependable partners, MAR is well equipped to expand its footprint—one marine project at a time.

Hamm unveils fully electric tandem rollers for sustainable compaction

Hamm’s new electric tandem rollers combine zero emissions, high power, and low maintenance for urban projects. (Image source: HAMM)

Emission-free performance meets powerful compaction in Hamm’s latest electric rollers

Hamm is advancing its compaction technology with the launch of new fully electric tandem rollers—the HX 70e VV-S and HX 70e VO-S. Designed to help the construction industry meet emission goals, these machines combine environmental responsibility with powerful performance. The VV-S model features two vibration drums, while the VO-S variant comes equipped with an oscillation drum, making both ideal for urban construction environments.

Quiet, efficient, and fast to recharge

Built with a proven 400-volt lithium-ion battery from Kreisel, the new models offer a capacity of 63 kWh. Charging is done via a Type 2 connector, and support for additional options like Type 1, J1772, and CCS is on the horizon. With the fast-charging feature, the battery can be topped up from 20% to 80% in less than an hour. These electric rollers offer quieter operation and greater efficiency compared to traditional diesel models, with the VO-S version especially suited to areas where noise and vibration control are essential, such as hospitals or heritage sites.

Diesel-equivalent power, simplified operation

Despite being fully electric, the HX 70e series delivers compaction power on par with, or even exceeding, that of conventional diesel rollers. The user interface has been updated with intuitive symbols, but otherwise the controls remain familiar, ensuring a smooth transition for operators used to traditional models.

Lower maintenance, long-term savings

One of the key advantages of the electric lineup is reduced maintenance. The high-voltage components are built for longevity and require fewer routine checks than their diesel counterparts. Operating costs are also significantly lower, and the machines are fully integrated with the John Deere Operations Center, providing seamless digital connectivity. As always, customers can count on Hamm’s renowned service and support.

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