Can you discuss Neemba’s rebranding and the strategic shifts underlying the name change?

Over the last year, Neemba, previously known as the JA Delmas Network, has undergone a transformative journey. The rebranding represents a strategic shift, aligning the company with its African roots while maintaining global operations. Inspired by Mount Nimba, one of the highest peaks in West Africa, the new name symbolizes a commitment to local development and international standards. This change marks a crucial step in our transformative journey. We have focused our mission and vision to build a land of excellence, anchored by our refreshed core values: Leadership, Innovation, Vivacity, and Exemplarity.

Key initiatives like the upcoming Rebuild Center in Senegal slated to open in 2024, underscore our commitment to innovation and excellence in customer service, marking a new era of growth and impact. We maintained decision-making initiatives in Abidjan, Mauritius, and Dakar, ensuring efficient operations and alignment with our strategic goals. This geographic distribution allows us to serve the continent effectively.

What trends in demand for mining equipment do you currently observe? 

Currently, most of the demand for mining equipment in West Africa pertains to surface mining. Looking ahead, the demand is evenly split between greenfield exploration and expansion projects, or replacement demand related to existing projects. Our customers are increasingly seeking maintenance and technology solutions to optimize fleet performance and maximize uptime. Notably, we observe growing interest in various commodities such as gold, iron ore, bauxite, lithium, and graphite, indicating a positive trajectory for mining in the region.

Are there specific countries in West Africa where Neemba anticipates significant growth in the mining segment?

Neemba is strategically positioned in 11 countries, with six of them showing highly active mining segments. Mali presents a notable greenfield opportunity, especially in gold and lithium, although recent political challenges have impacted growth. Cote d'Ivoire has shown tremendous growth in the past six years, driven by a favorable investment environment and profitable gold deposits. Other countries, including Mauritania and Burkina Faso, exhibit growth potential. However, Guinea stands out due to the size and progress of the Simandou iron ore project, making it one of the most promising countries in the coming years.

Can you touch upon some of Neemba’s initiatives for talent and workforce development?

Neemba recognizes the importance of a skilled workforce and currently employs 2,500 individuals, including 850 technicians, primarily based in African countries. With a vision to professionalize the heavy equipment sector, we allocate an annual budget exceeding €4 million for training programs. These initiatives include career development programs for technicians and sales professionals, graduate programs, and operator training. The aim is to create a talent pool for the entire industry, and we are also investing in the Neemba Academy in Cote d'Ivoire, covering an area of 2000 square meters, to further support talent development.

With the rise in demand for critical minerals, how does Neemba view the opportunities for equipment providers in servicing mines dealing with different commodities?

The presence of critical minerals in our countries presents strategic growth opportunities for Neemba. Beyond being a supplier for mineral extraction, we focus on integrating sustainability and contributing to the entire value chain. As the demand for critical minerals, particularly in the context of electric vehicles, grows, our role extends beyond equipment provision to actively participating in the transformation and responsible management of these resources.

Having been a CAT dealer in West Africa for over 90 years, how does Neemba navigate political transitions and uncertainties in the region? 

Political transitions introduce uncertainties affecting the demand for services and equipment in the region. Neemba's strength lies in its presence across 11 countries, ensuring a diversified portfolio that can compensate for challenges in specific regions. Being firmly rooted in the African market and having African shareholders allows us to navigate risks confidently. We continue to make strategic investments, even in politically uncertain environments, demonstrating our commitment to serving clients in the face of challenges.

What are the key strategic priorities for Neemba in the coming months?

Neemba's strategic priorities revolve around intensifying mining expertise, integrating ESG initiatives into operations, advancing digitalization for efficient processes, developing innovative financing solutions, and dedicating efforts to service excellence. These priorities ensure that Neemba remains at the forefront of industry advancements.