German lubricants group FUCHS has announced an expansion of its presence across Africa through a series of strategic investments, including the acquisition of 100% of the shares in its former joint ventures in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia, Engineering News reported on Monday, 2 November.

As part of the same strategy, the company also intends to strengthen its position in East Africa by securing a majority stake in a new joint venture in Kenya and increasing its shareholding in an existing partnership in Tanzania, thereby taking control of that operation as well.

The transactions are expected to be completed in early 2027, enabling FUCHS to consolidate its direct presence across southern and eastern Africa.

According to Paul Deppe, regional vice-president of FUCHS for sub-Saharan Africa, the investments complement the industrial and commercial infrastructure already established in South Africa, which serves as a regional hub for production, technical expertise and customer support.

“With the expansion of our presence, we aim to be closer to customers, respond more quickly to local market needs and leverage our global technology leadership to support industrial growth in Africa,” he said.

The company regards the continent as one of the most significant long-term growth opportunities for the lubricants industry, driven by urbanisation, industrial development, infrastructure investment, expanding mining activity, and growth in the manufacturing and automotive sectors.

Ralph Rheinboldt, a member of the Executive Board responsible for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said the increased investment reflects the company’s confidence in the continent’s economic potential.

“Africa is a strategically important region for FUCHS’s growth. Our increased investment reflects confidence in the continent’s long-term economic potential and our commitment to supporting customers with solutions tailored to local markets, technical expertise and world-class products,” he said.

The companies covered by the transactions currently employ approximately 170 people and generate combined annual sales of around €50 million.

Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=557418