After seven years of technical leadership, industry engagement and knowledge sharing, the International Zinc Association (IZA) Africa is celebrating a significant milestone in promoting the use of refined zinc across South Africa and the broader African market.
Between 2019 and 2025, IZA Africa determined that more than 408 839 metric tonnes of refined zinc, valued at about US$1.19 billion (around R19.67 billion), were used in South Africa alone. The figure reflects zinc’s critical role in protecting infrastructure from corrosion, supporting agricultural productivity and contributing to essential industrial applications by means of galvanizing.
The milestone comes despite an exceptionally challenging operating environment that included the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chain disruptions and prolonged geopolitical uncertainty. “We are proud of what has been achieved over the past seven years,” comments Simon Norton, Director of IZA Africa.
“Throughout this period our focus has remained consistent: ensuring engineers, specifiers, galvanizers and industry professionals understand the long-term value that zinc delivers through corrosion protection, infrastructure durability and sustainability,” adds Norton.
IZA Africa has also highlighted the key role zinc plays as a trace element in fertilizers and soil enrichment to promote exceptional crop growth in Southern Africa. Zinc, as a trace element is also critical for human health and immune system support and IZA Africa has brought this critical role of zinc in medicine into focus across Africa.
Building technical knowledge
Since 2019, IZA Africa has invested heavily in technical education across Southern Africa through engineering seminars, webinars, technical publications and industry presentations. The organisation has provided specialist training on hot dip galvanizing, zinc-rich coatings, zinc thermal spray and the lifecycle benefits of corrosion protection.
It has also strengthened relationships with consulting engineers, contractors, universities and industry bodies to promote best practice in steel protection. “Knowledge remains one of the most important investments we can make,” highlights Norton. “The longer infrastructure lasts, the greater the return on investment for governments, businesses and communities.”
Zinc continues to underpin infrastructure
According to IZA Africa, South Africa remains by far the continent’s largest consumer of refined zinc, accounting for more than 408 000 metric tonnes between 2019 and 2025. Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria and Ethiopia also represent important and growing markets for zinc consumption across Africa.
Much of this demand is driven by zinc’s use in hot dip galvanizing, which significantly extends the service life of structural steel, transmission infrastructure, transport systems, mining facilities and public infrastructure while reducing long-term maintenance costs.
“As infrastructure ages and governments place greater emphasis on lifecycle costing and sustainability, corrosion protection becomes increasingly important,” says Norton. “Zinc provides a proven, economical solution that delivers benefits over decades.”
Looking ahead
Although construction markets have experienced significant volatility over recent years, IZA Africa believes long-term infrastructure investment across Africa will continue driving demand for zinc-based corrosion protection systems. This will happen particularly in power transmission and railway expansion such as the big new rail link in Egypt and in Kenya as well as new South African freight links.
The association plans to expand its technical education initiatives across Africa, strengthen partnerships with the engineering profession and continue promoting zinc’s role in sustainable infrastructure development across the continent.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of the International Zinc Association, its international Director for Sales, Marketing and Research Mr Martin van Leeuwen and our industry partners including NGAGE PR whose sterling support put ZINC into the media eye. We also wish to thank the many engineers and professionals who continue to champion zinc best practice using hot dip galvanizing,” concludes Norton. “We look forward to building on this foundation as Africa invests in the next generation of infrastructure.”
Ends
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Notes to the Editor
To download hi-res images for this news article, please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the International Zinc Association link to view the company’s press office.
About the International Zinc Association (IZA)
The IZA is the only global industry association dedicated exclusively to the interests of zinc and its users. Operating internationally and locally in Africa through the IZA Africa Desk, the IZA helps sustain the long-term global demand for zinc and its markets by promoting such key end uses as corrosion protection for steel and zinc as essential in human health and crop nutrition. IZA’s main programmes are Zinc Use Research, Sustainability & Environment, Technology & Market Development and technical Communications.
In South Africa, the IZA plays a vital role in establishing the basis for the successful growth of the zinc industry by increasing awareness of zinc and its applications and benefits in key sectors and markets.
International Zinc Association Contact
Simon Norton
Director
IZA Africa
Phone: (021) 788 9980
Cell: 082 831 2924
Email: zinc@iafrica.com
Web: www.zinc.org
Media Contact
Andile Mbethe
Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Cell: 073 565 6536
Email: andile@ngage.co.za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
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