Welcome to the 56th edition of Lubezine Magazine. In this issue, we focus on adaptability in turbulent supply networks, a topic of growing relevance as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including disruptions to key oil transit routes like the Strait of Hormuz, continue to affect Africa’s lubricants sector. Rising costs, delayed shipments, and constrained access to base oils and additives expose the continent’s heavy reliance on imports. Yet, these challenges present an opportunity for transformative change, supplier diversification, local refining initiatives, and strengthened regional collaboration, that’s, laying the foundation for a more resilient and self-sufficient industrial future.
Across South of Sahara, a quiet but consequential challenge continues to unfold - lubricant integrity. While many markets align with global standards such as API and ACEA, gaps in enforcement, limited testing capacity, and financial constraints have allowed adulteration, counterfeiting, and mislabeling to take root. Over time, these practices ripple across key industries - from mining and transport to agriculture, marine, and power - driving up maintenance costs, reducing efficiency, and increasing the risk of equipment failure. It is within this context that the conversation deepens. In our Last Word, John Fitton, Business Unit Manager and Group Director for Africa and the Middle East at IMCD, unpacks the realities of regional standards, the barriers to enforcement, and the far-reaching economic impact of non-compliance.
In our 10 Questions feature, Richard Mugambi of LAAPSA reveals how industrial lubrication has transformed from routine maintenance into a strategic engine of efficiency and reliability. In the face of punishing conditions - extreme heat, dust, moisture, and heavy loads - industries rely on high-performance synthetic oils, predictive maintenance, and precision oil analysis to keep operations running smoothly. From mining to cement and sugar production, these practices extend equipment life, cut downtime, and optimize costs, while digital monitoring, eco-conscious formulations, and advanced technical training are driving a new era of innovation and resilience across Africa’s industrial landscape.
Kenya hosted the WRC Safari Rally, a legendary event first held in 1953 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, renowned for pushing cars and crews through extreme dust, mud, heat, and rough terrain. This year, Rubis Energy Kenya and Castrol backed the Chana brothers, highlighting how advanced lubricants withstand intense pressure - protecting engines, stabilizing transmissions, and ensuring brake and cooling systems perform under stress. Beyond motorsport, the rally mirrors Africa’s everyday conditions, where vehicles face similar challenges. It reinforces a clear message: high-quality lubricants and fluids are essential for durability, efficiency, and safety across the continent’s demanding operating environments.
At Lubezine Magazine, we strive to keep the conversation moving - connecting innovation, knowledge, and real-world applications throughout Africa’s lubricants landscape. We thank our readers for their unwavering support and trust, and we pledge to continue delivering insight, leadership, and actionable intelligence that shape the future of the industry. .
Happy reading.