Colombia: The board of directors of Cementos Argos has approved a capital investment of over US$5m for 2026 to modernise and strengthen its cement, concrete and aggregates operations in Colombia. The investment will be used to increase reliability, operational efficiency and productivity, as well as to implement artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and will be implemented throughout the year. The plan forms part of the operational excellence strategy and the programme ‘From Mine to Market’, which the company says aims to ‘comprehensively strengthen’ its operations.

Vice president of Cementos Argos’ Colombia Regional Office Carlos Horacio Yusty said “Investing more than US$5m in Colombia is a strategic decision that reflects our confidence in the country and our commitment to those who are building its development. These investments allow us to increase productivity, optimise costs and strengthen the reliability of our operations, so we can continue to support our clients with quality, continuity and added value in every project.”

Ghana: The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare convened an emergency meeting with cement manufacturers over port congestion that has left clinker shipments stranded for up to two or three weeks, according to local press. Manufacturers said vessels are waiting 13–20 days to berth, increasing demurrage costs that could potentially be passed on to consumers if not addressed. Manufacturers appealed for temporary access to additional berths and handling of non-dust producing raw materials, such as gypsum and slag, at alternative berths.

Minister for Transport Joseph Bukari Nikpe said “Once the dredging is completed, expected by the end of June 2026, the port will be able to handle vessels with capacities of over 20,000t, compared to the current 8000t capacity,” and added that works around Berth 14 will complete within one to two weeks.

Azerbaijan: DAL Engineering Group commissioned a full engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) project for Holcim Azerbaijan, covering the replacement and commissioning of a 35t/hr ball mill and drive unit (2.6×13m). The scope included mechanical and automation supervision from installation to start-up and the system is now fully operational, according to a social media post by the supplier.

Argentina: Cement despatches reached 792,873t in January 2026, down by 6% year-on-year from 840,115t in January 2025 but up by 5% month-on-month from 758,875t in December 2025. Domestic despatches were 788,173t and exports were 4699t. Cement consumption reached 788,173t in January 2026, down by 5% year-on-year from 831,967t in January 2025 and up by 4% month-on-month from 755,542t in December 2025.