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HMD Group: “Supporting Africa’s infrastructure development through reliable equipment and exceptional service”

Exclusive interview with Matthew Khouri, CEO of the HMD Group, a diamond sponsor for the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week

Let’s start with some background on HMD. You have a proud history. 
HMD has established itself as a premier provider of construction, mining, and quarrying equipment in West Africa. We’ve built our reputation on being a specialised distributor of premium heavy machinery and parts, with a core mission of contributing to Africa’s infrastructure development. We’ve consistently evolved with the industry, embracing digital transformation and emphasising our commitment to innovation. HMD does not just provide equipment, but complete solutions that help our customers stay competitive in an increasingly digital construction and mining landscape. 

Tell us about your products and services.
We provide high-quality construction, mining, and quarrying equipment, including Rokbak articulated haulers. Our portfolio includes premium machinery brands, and clients gain access to high-performance, reliable equipment, supported by robust aftersales services. Our partnership with Rokbak, a member of the Volvo Group, further strengthens our product offering with their reliable RA30 and RA40 articulated haulers. 

Where in Africa are you active and where are you looking to for growth?
We are currently active across multiple West African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Benin, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, and we have several facilities across West Africa. Our vision is to become the leading supplier of heavy machinery in Africa by customizing solutions to meet our customers’ needs. 

How important is the Nigerian market for your organisation?
Nigeria represents one of our key markets, with its mining sector alone estimated to have 44 different types of commercially viable minerals worth approximately $700 billion. The market’s potential is immense, particularly with the current infrastructure development and mining activities. 

How excited are you about the burgeoning mining sector in Nigeria and what does this mean for your business there?
We’re extremely optimistic about Nigeria’s mining sector growth. The global push for green energy solutions has increased demand for critical minerals like lithium, manganese, and nickel, which Nigeria has in abundance. This presents significant opportunities for our business, especially with our expanded portfolio including Rokbak haulers. 

How does HMD help customers overcome the financial barriers to acquiring new equipment in African markets?
Understanding that access to finance is crucial for mining operations, HMD has developed comprehensive financing solutions tailored to the African market. We leverage a strong network of financial institutions, private investors, and Export Credit Agencies to deliver competitive financing packages across regions. Our relationship with UK Export Finance (UKEF) is particularly valuable in facilitating equipment procurement for customers. 

HMD’s financing solutions include flexible payment plans that accommodate cash flow variations, leasing options that eliminate the need for large upfront investments, and comprehensive packages that bundle equipment with maintenance and support services. This approach allows mining companies to acquire necessary equipment without straining their capital resources, maintain operational flexibility, and invest in advanced machinery that enhances productivity and efficiency. 

Through these financial structures, combined with partnerships with manufacturers like Rokbak, HMD continues to make premium equipment more accessible to operators across West Africa’s evolving mining sector. 

HMD is a diamond sponsor at the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week. How important is this annual gathering of the mining industry?
As a diamond sponsor, we view Nigeria Mining Week as a vital platform for industry engagement. The event will be particularly significant as we’ll have a dedicated stand where visitors can explore our equipment offerings, and we will be showcasing the Rokbak RA40 hauler alongside our partner Rokbak for the first time. This gives potential buyers a hands-on look at features engineered explicitly for West African conditions, including the high-performance engine retarder for rainy season operations and the sealed cab with filtered air conditioning for optimal operator protection in challenging environments. 

The event also provides an invaluable opportunity to network with industry leaders, understand market trends, and engage directly with customers about their equipment needs and challenges. Our senior leadership team will be present throughout the event to discuss how our solutions can support the growing mining sector in Nigeria.  

This year is the tenth edition of Nigeria Mining Week. Your thoughts?
The tenth edition marks a transformative period in Nigeria’s mining journey. This event has evolved from a local industry meeting to become West Africa’s premier mining conference, reflecting the remarkable progress of the sector. It’s significant for us to participate in this milestone moment, as we’re witnessing Nigeria’s transition from potential to actual mining powerhouse. The conference’s growth mirrors the expanding opportunities in Nigeria’s mineral sector, particularly in critical minerals needed for the global energy transition. This anniversary edition is not just a celebration of past achievements, but a platform to shape the future of mining in Nigeria, bringing together policy makers, investors, and industry leaders to drive sustainable development in the sector. 

What will be your message at the event this year?
Our message focuses on our commitment to supporting Africa’s infrastructure development through reliable equipment and exceptional service. We’re particularly excited to showcase our partnership with Rokbak and demonstrate how their articulated haulers, combined with our local expertise and support infrastructure, can deliver exceptional value to our customers. 

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