Let’s start with some background on SMT. Tell us about your products and services. SMT is an international full-service distributor and aftersales partner specialising in premium machinery, trucks and transport solutions. In Africa, we support the entire value chain of the mining, construction and transport industries: from supplying heavy-duty Volvo Construction Equipment and Dynapac paving machines, to providing long-term lifecycle services, rentals, parts and operator training. Our 2,300 people across 22 countries work as one integrated company, committed to end-to-end solutions. Beyond machines, we privilege predictive maintenance and sustainable services such as life extension of major components — helping our customers secure productivity, safety and cost efficiency across their projects.
Where in Africa are you active and where are you looking to for growth?
SMT is active in 17 African markets, with a strong base in West and Central Africa including Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, DRC, Senegal, Cameroon and Burkina Faso. Mining is one of our fastest-growing segments, and we are investing in service infrastructure, workshops and training to accompany tier-one clients in remote and demanding sites. In recent years, we expanded into Mauritania to support a large mining fleet and see further opportunities in Mali, Liberia and Guinea. Growth is not only geographical: we are developing performance-based service models to help mining companies focus on production while we ensure machine uptime.
How important is the Nigerian market for your organisation?
Nigeria has been a cornerstone of SMT Africa since 2009 and remains one of our most strategic subsidiaries. The country’s scale and dynamism in infrastructure, quarrying and mining create demand for the largest equipment in our portfolio, such as 95-tonne Volvo excavators and 60-tonne articulated haulers. Beyond supplying machines, we are deeply invested in aftersales capacity — parts availability, service contracts, operator training — because Nigerian contractors and miners rely on uptime to remain competitive.
How excited are you about the burgeoning mining sector in Nigeria and what does this mean for your business there?
Nigeria’s mining sector is at a turning point. The diversification into critical minerals such as lithium offers both an industrial opportunity and an environmental responsibility. For SMT, this is a chance to support mining players with premium, reliable brands and integrated services — from greenfield exploration to full-scale extraction. Our solutions reduce downtime, improve fuel efficiency and prepare for the shift to low-emission technologies. As global demand for minerals grows, Nigeria’s success will depend on strong supply chains and skilled partners, and SMT is positioned to be one of those long-term partners.
Which stand-out mining projects are you involved in as a supplier in Nigeria?
We have supported multiple large-scale projects in Nigeria ranging from iron ore to limestone and coal operations. For one flagship iron ore project, SMT supplied and maintains a fleet of Volvo machines, while also training local operators and technicians. This approach ensures machines deliver maximum output and customers achieve their production targets. Our philosophy is that a delivery is only the beginning — the real value lies in keeping fleets productive over decades of operations.
SMT has been a longstanding partner of Nigeria Mining Week. How important is this annual gathering of the mining industry?
Nigeria Mining Week is more than an exhibition; it is a meeting point where government, investors, miners and suppliers shape the sector’s future together. For SMT, it is an opportunity to connect with new stakeholders, understand upcoming resource developments and present the full scope of what we bring: premium brands, aftermarket excellence, rental solutions, financing and digital tools that ensure mines run efficiently and sustainably.
This year is the tenth edition of Nigeria Mining Week. Your thoughts?
Reaching a tenth edition underlines both the maturity and the ambition of Nigeria’s mining industry. It shows the sector is not just emerging, but building long-term continuity. For us, it’s a sign that international and local players believe in the future of mining in Nigeria, and SMT is proud to have been part of this journey since the early editions.
What will be your message at the event this year?
Nigeria is a key resource hub for Africa’s growth and a land of opportunity for responsible mining investment. Our message is clear: SMT is here as a trusted long-term partner, offering more than machines. We bring integrated solutions — from financing to rentals, from predictive maintenance to operator training, from digital fleet management to ESG support. Our role is to help Nigerian mining companies extract value safely, productively and sustainably, while contributing to the communities where they operate.