Saint-Gobain Africa recently announced its renewed commitment to the African continent through a new unifying program – Make it in Africa to Build Afr
Saint-Gobain Africa recently announced its renewed commitment to the African continent through a new unifying program – Make it in Africa to Build Africa (MABA).
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 prioritizing local production, nurturing local talent and encouraging economic growth within the industry.
“Make it in Africa to Build Africa 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.
He adds that MABA translates into actionable and impactful goals tailored to Africa, addressing its unique realities and opportunities. It 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.
The company’s goal below:
1. Sustainability
Inviting the entire ecosystem to transform industry: sustainability is no longer an option! The Group is committed to innovation with products and solutions that maximize our contribution to people’s health and well-being while minimizing our impact on the planet.
In line with this commitment, Saint-Gobain Africa is excited to introduce The FutuRE range; a new selection of sustainable construction solutions designed to enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact, while maintaining the same cost. This range currently includes RhinoBoard 9 mm, RhinoBoard 12.5 mm, RhinoBoard FireStop (12.5 & 15 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 CO2.
2. Local Production
From Africa, For Africa: producing locally and creating opportunities within communities. By investing in local manufacturing and expanding production lines, Saint-Gobain Africa aims at reducing dependency on imports, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
In line with this commitment, the opening of our new South African fiber cement plant in the third quarter of 2025 marks 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.
3. Our People
Saint-Gobain Africa is dedicated to empowering local talents through initiatives like our Graduate program, which nurtures future African manufacturing leaders. Saint-Gobain Africa also supports community development projects, provides contractors & applicators training and offers education opportunities throughout the continent.
4. Our customers
Saint-Gobain Africa is committed to understanding its customers across the value chain and partnering with them to better meet their needs. The MABA commitment will enable us to offer meaningful innovations and locally produced materials that meet international standards, while also strengthening our support and technical knowledge to better serve our 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 Othman Benjelloun-Touimi.
More than a statement, MABA is our collective vision for Africa’s future, setting new standards for sustainable growth and uniting all those dedicated to building Africa.
