Industry

Muted levels of construction activity since the 2011 revolution, combined with constraints on electricity supply, has stifled operating conditions for Egypt’s cement producers, though new projects scheduled to launch in the second half of 2014 could provide a helpful boost to the segment, recently buoyed by the successful IPO of Arabian Cement.

Les efforts déployés pour soulager les pressions exercées sur les réserves d’eau commencent à prendre forme et le gouvernement recherche activement des partenaires stratégiques pour une multitude d’ambitieux projets, dont une usine de dessalement dont le coût est évalué à 82 millions d’euros.

Rising demand for both private and commercial vehicles should put South Africa’s automotive industry on course to post full-year growth, with a recent rally helping to compensate for flat sales at the beginning of 2014.

Although lower prices and higher costs are a concern for Ghana’s mining industry, the Mining Commission’s re-evaluation of prospecting licences could add some momentum and set the scene for a welcome revival and new lease of life for private operators.

Kenya’s government is currently considering the final iteration of a bill that would establish three special economic zones (SEZs) within the country. The SEZs will allow lower levels of taxation and fewer regulatory hurdles, and will focus primarily on industrial activity, in particular textile production. The SEZ bill is part of a broader initiative to boost the manufacturing sector, diversify the country’s exports and encourage the creation of up to 1m industrial jobs annually.

Turkey’s powerhouse automotive industry is expected to experience a downturn in 2014, as higher interest rates and a slowing economy cause domestic buyers to hit the brakes on spending. The outlook is likely to remain flat for the rest of the year, though solid exports may help offset some of the localised cooling in the market.