The built environment is a major consumer of freshwater resources, through all stages of the lifecycle, in addition to the water consumed by people in their homes and communities. By 2050, we will experience the largest wave of urban growth in human history, emphasizing that the actions of the building sector will be critical to mitigating the impact of the global water crisis (WGBC, 2023). Across Sub-Saharan Africa, increasing water stress is shaping how we design, manufacture, and build.
Johannesburg, South Africa, Saint-Gobain, worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, is pleased to announce the appointment of Aymeric d’Ydewalle as the new Chief Executive Officer for Saint-Gobain Africa, effective July 2025. Aymeric succeeds Othman Benjelloun-Touimi, under whose leadership the Africa region accelerated its transformation journey and reconfirmed its commitment to Africa, embedding Saint-Gobain’s purpose-driven roadmap across the continent.
Our African context calls for collective action of the entire industry to revolutionize towards sustainable construction, to preserve our planet, whilst creating climate-resilient supply chains and ensuring inclusivity during this transformation.
This Earth Day, we're reimagining Africa's construction industry as a collaborative, circular, and inclusive ecosystem that prioritizes both people and the planet. With Africa’s population projected to grow by 1.1 billion by 2050 — and 80% of future buildings yet to be constructed — the sector has a unique opportunity to shape sustainable urban development.
On this World Water Day 2025, we at Saint-Gobain Africa recognize the construction industry’s significant reliance and impact on freshwater resources. With the sector accounting for an estimated 15–20% of global freshwater consumption, the urgency to transform the industry into a less water-reliant model has never been greater.
Saint-Gobain Africa is pleased to introduce Gamatex, a Gamazine decorative, textured, acrylic, bonded plaster by Weber Tylon, designed for both visual appeal and durability, and suitable for interior or exterior use.
Saint-Gobain Weber is proud to bring to market Mason Wall Putty, a new cement-based finishing plaster designed to achieve a smooth finish on both interior and exterior walls.
Since entering the Nigerian market in 2017, Saint-Gobain has made significant contributions to the West African country's architecture and construction sectors by offering innovative solutions and high-quality products.
When Saint-Gobain first launched in Nigeria, our then West Africa Regional Director, Westtar Kapito, told Business Day Nigeria: “Our products are reliably made with the finest raw materials you can get anywhere in the world, and they can indeed stand the test of time. We are here in Nigeria to replicate what we have achieved in other markets.”
Saint-Gobain is proud of the role it has played in ensuring that the people of Tivaouane, a city of about 102 000 people in north-western Senegal, have a brand-new hospital.
