Welcome to the 58th edition of Lubezine Magazine. In this issue, we explore the forces reshaping Africa’s lubricants industry - from the sustainability challenge of used oil and the growth of re-refining, to the capabilities required to build competitive lubricant businesses and the technical decisions that ultimately determine equipment reliability.
A lubricant’s journey does not end when it leaves the blending plant, nor when it is drained from an engine, gearbox or hydraulic system. Its value continues to be shaped by how it is formulated, selected, applied, monitored and, eventually, recovered. This broader lifecycle perspective runs through several of the conversations featured in this edition.
Our focus on used oil brings an important question into view: what happens after the lubricant has done its job? With millions of tonnes of used oil generated globally each year, collection, recovery and re-refining are becoming increasingly important to resource efficiency and the development of a circular lubricants economy. For Africa, however, unlocking this potential will require more than re-refining technology. Collection infrastructure, traceability, regulation, investment and market acceptance must develop alongside it.
The conversation then moves from what happens after use to what happens before a lubricant reaches the market. In our “10 Questions for Lubricant Professionals” feature, Irfan Khan examines what it takes to build competitive lubricant businesses in Africa. His perspectives highlight the importance of reliable access to Group II and Group III base oils, additive technology, storage capacity, quality assurance, technical competence and stronger regional supply chains. The message is clear: competitiveness cannot be built on price alone. It depends on the ability to consistently deliver quality, technical performance and customer confidence.
That same principle becomes even more critical when the lubricant enters service. Our coverage of the WearCheck webinar, “It’s More Than Just Oil,” examines lubrication from the perspective of machine reliability. A lubricant can meet a viscosity grade and still be unsuitable for an application. Base oil quality, additive chemistry, OEM specifications, contamination and product authenticity can all influence equipment performance. The real cost of lubrication, therefore, is not simply the price of the oil - it is the operational consequence when lubrication fails.
Taken together, these stories point to a wider shift in how the lubricants industry must think. Sustainability, competitiveness and reliability are not separate conversations. They are connected across the lubricant lifecycle, from raw materials and formulation to application, equipment performance and end-of-life recovery.
At Lubezine Magazine, we remain committed to bringing these connected industry conversations into sharper focus - linking technical expertise, innovation, leadership and practical experience to the issues shaping Africa’s lubricants sector. We appreciate your continued readership and support, and look forward to delivering the insights and perspectives that help inform better decisions and contribute to a more resilient, competitive and sustainable industry. .
Happy Reading