BUSINESS
A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR POWER
IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
By Robyn Grimsley
Cummins Southern Africa has confirmed it has a positive outlook for the southern African region in
2018, with indicators for the company’s key markets showing a favourable business environment.
T
Africa has a powerful presence in the
region in the areas of power generation,
mining, automotive, marine, and aftermarket
support.
According to Cummins Southern Africa
MD Thierry Pimi, Cummins Southern Africa’s
2017 performance exceeded the company’s
forecasts. Speaking of the effect that the
recent political changes in the country are
likely to have on South African industry
and Cummins Southern Africa in particular,
Pimi said, “Cyril Ramaphosa is seen as
being a more pro-business person than his
predecessor, Jacob Zuma. As an international
company operating in South Africa, his
election affects the outlook for our business
he year 2018 seems to be the year
for a turnaround. We have already
seen this in the political arena, and
it is a view that is borne out by investors
and businesses in South Africa and the
region. One such business is Cummins
Southern Africa, which earlier this year
held a media event to share its positive
outlook and expectations for the country.
So far, increased mining activity, equipment
rebuilds, an appreciating oil price, and
the progress of major infrastructure and
power projects all bear out the company’s
assessment of a favourable business
environment. With a strong brand built up
over almost a decade, Cummins Southern
From left: Robin Kuriakose, Orlando Ferrao, Racheal Njoroge (seated), Thierry Pimi, Victor Masuku,
and André Kuhn.
10
MAY 2018
because political leaders set policies, which
can determine whether the investment
community decides to move up, slow down,
or exit completely.”
“More specifically, what we are seeing
— for instance with the Mining Charter
discussion that has been stalled for the
past several months — as we listen to our
customers, is that there is more optimism
that this dispute will be settled sooner rather
than later,” Pimi added. “And with that being
settled, I think there will be more of a move
towards increased activity and therefore
increased business for us. Secondly, whenever
there is a change in government there is a high
level of expectation, and businesses that have