Caterpillar, the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives, has a connection to Africa that spans almost 100 years.

Africa is a key continent for Caterpillar, and we are proud that together, with independently owned Cat® dealers, we are helping our customers in the continent to build a better, more sustainable world. Since Caterpillar appointed the first Cat® dealer in Africa almost a century ago, the local network has now grown to 14 independent Cat® dealers with 165 branches. These include 22 Certified Rebuild Centers and approximately 3,500 technicians spread across the continent. Many Cat® dealers are locally owned and well positioned to quickly adopt appropriate investment decisions to support opportunities in their respective territories.

Caterpillar’s equipment has been instrumental in Africa’s largest infrastructure, power generation, mining, and rail projects. From the Inga Dam to the widening of the Suez Canal, and from the Congo to the Nafud Desert, Caterpillar has been at the heart of transformative projects. In addition to offering world-class machinery, Caterpillar has expanded its portfolio to include rental options, used machines, certified rebuild solutions, remanufacturing, and financial products, ensuring that it meets the diverse needs of customers across Africa. The relationship we have with our dealers enables us to provide convenient localized services, that enable us to execute Caterpillar’s long-term commitment to Africa.

A focus on local ownership

It is Caterpillar’s firm belief that privately and locally owned dealerships are particularly well suited to best serve customers and with that, facilitate sales and service growth. Localization is an important aspect not only for understanding customer needs and wants, but even more so, operating effectively in the regional requirement, not limited to best tailoring investment.  Localization can also be a decisive factor in attracting and developing skilled local employees, so as to move them to advanced professional levels.

In 1927, Barloworld Equipment (BWE) became a Cat® dealer, today being one of the company’s longest-standing independent dealers. In 2024, Barloworld announced talks with a consortium of investors about a potential transaction that would lead to the dealer becoming privately owned with a locally based management team. Caterpillar supports this move, as it would enhance customer service and drive growth, while contributing to the success of the African economy.

Private ownership structures support additional features Caterpillar considers as essential for dealerships. Nimbleness and velocity in managing and operating the business are great assets in navigating through a rapidly changing environment. Long-term investment that stretches across several ownership generation and is paired with continuity in leadership secure deployment of strategies and visions.

The demand for a skilled workforce

The demand and competition for skilled workforce in Africa is fierce in the heavy equipment sector. Caterpillar saw this growing demand for skilled technicians in Africa, the focus by African governments on creating high-skilled jobs for a young and growing population, and established a program called “Technicians for Africa” in 2016 to help address these challenges. This online learning platform provides trainees with the basic technical skills necessary for careers in machinery repair and maintenance. Initially launched in Nigeria, Mozambique, and the DRC, the program has now expanded to nearly 30 countries, with over 45,000 registrations and more than 4,000 successful completions. The success of this initiative is fuelled by the strong collaboration with local Cat® dealers, who actively promote the program through school visits, social media campaigns, and engagement with government.

The way forward

Beyond training, Caterpillar supports Africa with a robust network of resources, including a major parts distribution center in Johannesburg, South Africa. This facility, along with district offices in Abidjan and Johannesburg, strengthens Caterpillar’s ability to deliver localized solutions and exceptional customer service. Additionally, in 2016, Caterpillar launched its Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) with South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry (dti). Caterpillar’s commitment to localizing ZAR1.3 billion (approximately US$90 million) in component content over 10 years will support South Africa’s industrial base and foster inclusive economic growth.

Promoting innovation in Africa is crucial for success, especially in the next 5-10 years as technology adoption grows across sectors like construction, mining, power generation, and rail. Caterpillar is an industry leader with its connected equipment, which is among the largest in the world. These systems enhance productivity, efficiency, and safety by providing valuable data on equipment location, service records, performance, and more. This helps customers optimize production, reduce fuel consumption, and better manage their equipment.

Caterpillar is proud of its significant role in improving lives across Africa, which is made possible through the dedication of professional and passionate dealers. The company views sustainable development in Africa as a collective effort and, alongside Cat® dealers, is committed to contributing to the continent’s success.