Nigeria: BUA Cement has released its six-month financial results for the period ending 30 June 2026, with profit before tax of US$236m, representing a 79% increase from US$157m in the corresponding period ending 30 June 2025. The company recorded US$532m in revenues in the first half of 2026, 26% more than the US$423m reported in the first half of 2025.

CEO Yusuf Binji said “We have delivered a strong quarter despite the constraints encountered. As outlined in my April 2026 commentary, our strategic focus is firmly on new growth opportunities and cost containing measures. I am pleased with the traction of the growth plans and the gains recorded. We will continue to prioritise measures aimed at driving operational efficiencies. Therefore, I expect current process optimisation activities will result in higher productivity and improved cost management, especially with the decisions taken during the quarter. I am very encouraged by our outlook and performance over the next quarters.”

Mexico: Cemex has reported earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$1bn, representing an increase of 24% year-on-year. It also recorded sales of US$4.6bn in the second quarter of 2026, up by 12%. It said that the successful execution of its Project Cutting Edge was a key driver in its performance, with 80% of the original US$400m savings target already achieved as of 30 June 2026. The majority of the new savings are expected to be realised in 2027.

It said that three of four regions had delivered growth, with Mexico outperforming expectations, driven by cost efficiencies and improving demand. 'Challenging' weather conditions prevailed in the US, but Cemex said that demand remained 'broadly stable.' In the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, EBITDA increased by 9%. In South and Central America and the Caribbean, it grew by 34%.  

North Korea: The Hyesan cement plant has more than doubled its production volumes. According to Korean News, the plant has undergone measures to solve 'problems arising in the production process,' through the ‘initiative and ingenuity' of employees. As a result, production volumes reportedly increased by 120% year-on-year.

Afghanistan: Deputy governor Sheikh Enamullah Salahuddin has met with Tariq Mahmood, the CEO of Sako Afghan, and the contractor overseeing the Altamur cement mine, alongside officials from the Provincial Directorate of Mines and Petroleum, to review the project's advancement. Representatives from Sako Afghan confirmed that the exploration phase and preliminary development, amounting to US$455,000, have been completed. They also said that construction will begin within the coming days.

The company reported that the plant will be ready to commence full-scale production in 18 months. Situated in the Altamur district of central Logar Province, the plant will have a production capacity of ~0.8Mt/yr.