Caterpillar’s Century-Long Presence in Africa: Building a Sustainable Future

Caterpillar, a global leader in manufacturing construction and mining equipment, industrial engines, and diesel-electric locomotives, has had a longstanding presence in Africa for nearly 100 years. The company’s journey on the continent highlights a deep commitment to fostering sustainable growth and infrastructure development.

Since appointing its first Cat® dealer in Africa almost a century ago, Caterpillar has built a vast network that now spans 14 independent dealers and 165 branches across the continent. This network includes 22 Certified Rebuild Centers and approximately 3,500 technicians. Many of these dealers are locally owned, allowing them to make investment decisions that best serve the needs of their respective regions. Caterpillar’s equipment has played a vital role in large-scale infrastructure projects across Africa, such as the Inga Dam, the widening of the Suez Canal, and key developments in the Congo and the Nafud Desert.

Caterpillar has expanded its offerings to better meet the diverse needs of customers, including rental services, used machinery, certified rebuilds, remanufacturing, and financial solutions. These additions ensure that Caterpillar continues to provide world-class service while meeting the varied demands of African industries.

The Power of Local Ownership

Caterpillar strongly believes in the benefits of privately and locally owned dealerships. Such dealerships are well-positioned to understand the unique needs of their customers and respond swiftly to regional demands. Local ownership also helps in attracting and nurturing a skilled workforce, ensuring that employees progress to higher professional levels.

A notable example of this is Barloworld Equipment (BWE), one of Caterpillar’s longest-standing independent dealers, which became a Cat® dealer in 1927. In 2024, Barloworld announced talks with a consortium of investors about transitioning to a privately owned business with a local management team. Caterpillar supports this move, recognizing that it will enhance customer service, drive growth, and contribute to the African economy.

Private ownership structures are crucial for fostering agility and enabling businesses to adapt in a rapidly evolving environment. The continuity provided by private ownership ensures the long-term deployment of strategies and leadership, which is key to growth in challenging markets.

Training the Workforce of Tomorrow

As Africa’s demand for skilled labor in the heavy equipment sector grows, Caterpillar has taken steps to address the skills gap. In 2016, the company launched the “Technicians for Africa” program, an online platform designed to teach the essential technical skills needed for machinery repair and maintenance. Initially introduced in Nigeria, Mozambique, and the DRC, the program has since expanded to nearly 30 countries, with over 45,000 registrations and more than 4,000 successful completions.

Caterpillar’s success in this initiative is driven by strong collaboration with local Cat® dealers, who promote the program through school visits, social media, and government engagement. This program helps build a pipeline of skilled technicians for the growing equipment market in Africa.

Strengthening Local Resources

Beyond training, Caterpillar has invested in a robust network of resources to support its operations in Africa. A major parts distribution center in Johannesburg, South Africa, along with regional offices in Abidjan and Johannesburg, ensures that the company can deliver localized solutions and exceptional customer service.

Caterpillar also committed ZAR1.3 billion (approximately US$90 million) to South Africa’s industrial base through its Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) in 2016. This initiative is designed to stimulate inclusive economic growth and support local manufacturing efforts over a 10-year period.

The Road Ahead: Embracing Innovation

Looking to the future, Caterpillar recognizes the importance of embracing innovation as technology adoption increases across industries in Africa. The company’s connected equipment systems are among the largest in the world, providing critical data on equipment performance, service records, and location. These systems help customers improve productivity, reduce fuel consumption, and manage their equipment more effectively.

As Africa continues to develop, Caterpillar is committed to being part of the continent’s success, working closely with local dealers to drive sustainable development. The company’s contributions, alongside its partners, are helping to shape a better, more prosperous future for Africa.

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