Sustainable building materials producer and distributor Saint-Gobain Africa has renewed its commitment to the African continent through a new unifying programme – Make it in Africa to Build Africa (Maba).

The company says this regional commitment is an extension of the group’s purpose, Making the World a Better Home, and underscores its dedication to empowering the continent by prioritising local production, nurturing local talent and encouraging economic growth within the industry.

“Maba is our drive and the lens through which we view everything we do. It’s about partnering with all construction market stakeholders to build a sustainable Africa from within, where local solutions meet local needs, reinforcing our belief in the potential of African markets and communities,” says CEO Othman Benjelloun-Touimi.

The company says Maba translates into actionable and impactful goals tailored to Africa, addressing its unique realities and opportunities.

Maba is based on four main pillars, each linked to specific examples of how Saint-Gobain aims at bringing all partners and stakeholders along in building Africa, namely sustainability, local production, people and customers.

The company says that it is committed to innovation, with products and solutions that maximise its contribution to people’s health and wellbeing while minimising its impact on the planet. 

In line with this commitment, the company has introduced the FutuRE range – a new selection of sustainable construction solutions designed to enhance efficiency and minimise environmental impact, while maintaining the same cost.

This range includes RhinoBoard 9 mm, RhinoBoard 12.5 mm, RhinoBoard FireStop 12.5 mm and15 mm, Isover Cavitylite and Weber WB11, each with a third-party verified environmental product declaration (EPD) and a positive contribution to at least one strategic sustainability criteria such as a minimum of 10% reduction in carbon dioxide.

“By investing in local manufacturing and expanding production lines, Saint-Gobain Africa aims at reducing dependency on imports, creating jobs and driving economic growth,” the company adds.

In line with this commitment, the company says the opening of its new South African fiber cement plant in the third quarter of this year will mark a major milestone.

This facility will not only create more than 60 permanent jobs in its first phase and empower local communities but will also ensure access to high-quality, durable building solutions at the right cost.

Saint-Gobain Africa says it is dedicated to empowering local talents through initiatives such as its graduate programme, which nurtures future African manufacturing leaders.

Saint-Gobain Africa also supports community development projects, provides contractors and applicators training and offers education opportunities throughout the continent. 

The company says it is committed to understanding its customers across the value chain and partnering with them to better meet their needs.

Saint-Gobain Africa says the Maba commitment will enable it to offer meaningful innovations and locally produced materials that meet international standards, while also strengthening its support and technical knowledge to better serve customers every step of the way.

Saint-Gobain Africa will collaborate with local businesses, governments, communities and all construction industry stakeholders who share the same commitment to driving innovation and development.

"The future of Africa lies in the hands of its people," says Benjelloun-Touimi.