The lure of Africa

More and more Indian cement firms are turning their eyes to Africa in search of growth opportunities. While the region is not unexplored territory for many Indian companies, it is providing new potential avenues for expansion for cement manufacturers. Still, it is not an easy-to-navigate opportunity as domestic companies and many other foreign operators continue to add capacity at a rapid rate.

Local Indian companies are looking abroad for opportunities. Bolstered by the growing economy, more cash in hand, increased competition and an often-crowded industry, more companies are looking outside of India to grow operations and to diversify holdings. While in the past the government has not been as supportive of Indian companies investing outside its borders with regard to capital and foreign exchange resources, this has begun to change as officials have begun to recognize the growth potential such investments will have for India's own domestic market.

Read the rest of the article in the India Cement & Construction Materials issue 6.