Buoyed by a vast mining industry and a construction market that is projected to grow significantly as the continent seeks to close its infrastructure gap, Africa offers great opportunity for articulated dump truck (ADT) manufacturers. Paul Culliford, regional sales manager at Rokbak, tells Quarrying Africa that Africa is a market that the company has been expanding into since Rokbak rebranded some three years ago, and continues to develop its presence in the region.
As part of this expansion programme, the company recently appointed two dealers, HMD Machinery in West Africa and Machinery Exchange in Zimbabwe. HMD Machinery, says Culliford, is one of the top dealers in Africa, covering a massive territory; from Mauritania all the way to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The company has already delivered four Rokbak units to a customer in Ghana, underscoring the brand’s growing prominence on the continent.
In addition to providing durable and efficient ADTs backed by expert technical support, the new partnership between HMD and Rokbak now brings flexible financing options backed by Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) and Private Risk Insurers (PRIs) to West African customers.
Through UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Swedish Export Credit Agency (EKN), and a network of PRIs, HMD customers can now access competitive financing packages. These flexible financing solutions reduce the financial burden of fleet expansion with affordable interest rates, extended repayment periods and structured payment plans tailored to meet the demands of West African operations.
“Furthermore, we have been keen to develop our presence in Zimbabwe and foster relationships with customers through an established dealer. Machinery Exchange provides essential coverage with branches throughout the country,” says Culliford.
Mining in Zimbabwe, he adds, is a multi-billion-dollar industry, fuelled by the rich and diverse range of key minerals available locally. These include diamonds, gold, lithium, chrome and iron ore, amongst others. Since the launch of a government blueprint in 2019, the mining sector has experienced notable growth. In 2021, mineral revenues surged to US$9,77-billion in 2023 – representing a remarkable 261% increase since 2017.
“Infrastructure, too, is an area benefiting from huge investment. There are multiple ongoing projects to improve road and transport networks and facilitate regional integration. The construction market in Zimbabwe is currently valued at between US$3-billion and US$4-billion, and, with the staggering size of those numbers, comes a demand for reliable, high-performance machinery,” says Culliford.
Expanding footprint
Because of areas such as this, Rokbak is now strengthening its footprint in Africa, capitalising on the region’s growing demand for robust and efficient articulated haulers in mining, quarrying and infrastructure projects.
“We are positioning ourselves on key platforms, including tradeshows such as Mining Indaba in South Africa where we are able to meet potential customers and discuss our solutions alongside our dealer in West Africa, HMD. By appointing the right, trusted dealers such as HMD in Africa, Rokbak is strategically placing itself in important markets where demand for reliable heavy equipment continues to rise,” Culliford says.
With Africa’s construction market projected to grow significantly in the near future, Culliford maintains that Rokbak’s focus remains on delivering high-performance, easy-to-maintain and cost-effective articulated haulers tailored for the region’s rugged terrain. By working with independent dealers who offer strong local support, financing options and aftersales service, Rokbak wants to ensure that customers across Africa will be able to benefit from reliable and durable equipment.
“We are looking to align with established, independent dealers who recognise that, when it comes to desired articulated hauler needs, customers are seeking low total cost of ownership (TCO) and a good price to performance ratio – which our RA30 and RA40 ADTs deliver,” says Culliford. “Fundamentally, prospective dealers need to share the same value with us for strong aftersales support, and know when it comes to servicing and maintenance, it is about being there and acting responsibly and quickly to any customer requirements.”
When it comes to the product, Culliford says Rokbak trucks are reliable, robust and easy to maintain. When customers buy machines, they buy them to perform and do a job. Rokbak trucks are popular with customers because they are hardworking, high-performing and durable.
“We understand fuel efficiency and integrate connected services for operation monitoring and reduced idle time. Machine owners also need to keep operators happy, and, alongside ride control and independent front suspension, operators could not be more content than in the comfortable, spacious cabs which we provide for them,” he says.
Positive outlook
Looking ahead, Culliford is positive about the business outlook and Rokbak in Africa. The African construction market is projected to grow from US$58,42-billion to US$74,81-billion by 2029, and companies are seeking advanced equipment to enhance efficiency and productivity.
“Africa has a vast resource wealth, and there is a surge in demand for its minerals. Forecasts suggest a 65% increase in market value by 2030, demand tripling by 2040 and growing sixfold by 2050, thus solidifying Africa’s role as a crucial supplier to the global market. As Africa grows, Rokbak wants to grow alongside it,” concludes Culliford.
