Wedoany.com Report-Dec.26, West China Cement Ltd. is seeking to acquire AfriSam South Africa Proprietary Ltd., a major cement producer in South Africa. This proposed transaction represents the latest step by cement companies from China to expand their presence in Africa.

Details of the proposed acquisition emerged in a notice published on December 18, 2025, by Botswana's Competition and Consumer Authority. The authority invited stakeholder submissions for or against the proposed merger, with the comment period closing within ten days of the notice. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed in the statement.

The acquiring entity would be West International New Building Materials, a subsidiary of West China Cement, which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Chinese cement producers have pursued growth opportunities in Africa amid slower domestic construction activity. For example, Huaxin Cement acquired a controlling stake in Lafarge Africa from Holcim last year for about $1 billion. West China Cement itself is developing cement facilities in Ethiopia and Uganda.

AfriSam is an unlisted company and operates as a significant player in the Southern African cement market. The region is led by JSE-listed PPC, along with Lafarge South Africa (owned by Afrimat) and Sephaku (a subsidiary of Dangote Cement).

AfriSam's major shareholders include South Africa's Public Investment Corporation and leading local banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FirstRand, and Absa. These institutions have held substantial stakes following various business restructuring efforts and have sought opportunities to reduce their holdings over time.

The proposed acquisition aligns with South Africa's focus on infrastructure modernization and economic growth. President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined plans to transform the country into a major construction site, aiming to upgrade infrastructure and stimulate development. Such initiatives are likely to support increased demand for cement and related building materials in the coming years.

If approved, the transaction would further strengthen the presence of Chinese cement producers in Africa. It reflects the continent's growing appeal as a market for industrial expansion, driven by infrastructure needs and urbanization trends.

The Botswana Competition and Consumer Authority's review process allows stakeholders to provide input on the proposed merger. This step ensures regulatory oversight and consideration of potential impacts on competition and consumers in the region.

West China Cement's move demonstrates a strategic approach to international growth. By targeting established operations like AfriSam, the company seeks to access mature markets with strong infrastructure potential.

This development highlights ongoing cross-continental business activity in the cement sector. It supports the broader trend of companies pursuing diversification and new opportunities in regions with rising construction requirements.