Whether operating in Saharan dust or on haul roads washed away by the rainy season, Rokbak articulated dump trucks can deliver uptime, productivity and value in Africa’s toughest environments – as visitors to Nigeria Mining week found out.
Contractors and operators across Africa face relentless pressure to hit production and profitability targets, often in remote locations with punishing terrain and climates, including extreme heat, humidity, fine dust and seasonal downpours. In such conditions, only the toughest trucks demonstrate their worth – and it was with this in mind that Rokbak and its West Africa dealer HMD recently presented the RA40 at Nigeria Mining Week.
Rokbak articulated dump trucks (ADTs) – available in 28-tonne (RA30) and 38-tonne (RA40) payload classes – have a reputation for robustness and reliability, simple serviceability and low total cost of ownership. The Scottish-made haulers are fast proving to be a smart investment on African mining, quarrying and major infrastructure projects. Visitors to Nigeria Mining Week spent time on the Rokbak and HMD stand discussing why the OEM’s haulers are such a good fit for the region, with HMD highlighting the trucks’ reliability and the efficiencies they bring to the Nigerian market.
“At Nigeria Mining Week, there was a lot of interest in the RA40,” says Matthew Khouri, HMD CEO. “Customers like that Rokbak has a strong Scottish heritage, coupled with the backing of the Volvo Group, which they know and trust. Feedback from customers and future customers was that they were impressed with the truck’s capabilities and sustainability credentials. They appreciated the efficiencies and reliability the haulers could bring to the thriving mining, quarrying and construction industries in West Africa. We had a lot of positive conversations and we’re looking forward to seeing more Rokbak trucks working in this growing market.”
Rokbak and HMD also talked to customers about how they offer flexible financing options backed by export credit agencies (ECAs) and private risk insurers (PRIs) to support West African projects.
Designed to handle Africa’s extremes
From the dry, dusty air of the Sahel to the humid tropics of Central Africa, Rokbak trucks are made for tough jobs. Their high ground clearance and permanent 6×6 all-wheel drive provides excellent traction, even on steep gradients, uneven surfaces or waterlogged haul roads. During the rainy season, the RA40’s responsive drivetrain and modulating engine retarder help maintain control and productivity when other trucks struggle.
Inside the cab, powerful air conditioning and dual-stage filtration help keep operators comfortable and protected from dust and heat, while the truck’s heavy-duty suspension smooths out rough tracks – boosting operator performance on long shifts and reducing fatigue.
“Our trucks are designed with the operator experience in mind,” says Paul Culliford, Rokbak regional sales manager – EMEA. “That means visibility, stability, comfort and control – without adding unnecessary complexity that can lead to downtime.”
Simplicity, reliability, profitability
In remote regions where every unscheduled stop costs valuable time and money, Rokbak trucks stand out for their durability and ease of maintenance. A straightforward design – with easy-access service points and user-friendly controls – means more uptime, faster fixes and fewer spare parts. Rokbak ADTs also include many long-life components such as oil-immersed wet disc brakes, sealed electrical connectors and heavy-duty articulation joints to extend service intervals and reduce lifetime costs.
“The RA30 and RA40 are designed to be easy to service, even in the field,” says Paul. “That’s a huge benefit in parts of Africa where job sites can be in extremely remote locations.”
Fuel efficiency is another major strength. The RA40’s fuel-smart powertrain delivers lower cost per tonne, while optional Haul Track telematics help fleet managers track performance and plan preventative maintenance – even when the job site is hours from the nearest depot.
Growing presence in Africa
Over the last year, Rokbak has significantly expanded its dealer network across Africa, with expert partners now offering sales, service and parts support in markets including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zimbabwe.
This growing network ensures access to genuine parts, trained technicians, and in-country support – even on hard-to-reach sites. In Zimbabwe, for example, dealer partner Machinery Exchange has established Rokbak service hubs in Harare, Bulawayo and Hwange, for 24-hour parts availability and on-site technical services for mining clients across the country.
Rokbak also highlighted the strength of its dealer partnerships earlier in the year when it participated alongside HMD at Mining Indaba 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. Both companies used the platform to connect with contractors, project leaders and decision-makers, reinforcing their commitment to Africa and spotlighting Rokbak haulers as a robust solution for mining and infrastructure projects across the region.
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Ready to work, wherever you work
With robust construction, efficient drivetrain technology and a commitment to customer support, Rokbak articulated haulers offer the performance African operators need and the value procurement customers’ demand. Whether hauling ore from a remote mine in Ghana or shifting overburden on a new road corridor in Algeria, Rokbak delivers a simple promise: tough, reliable trucks that won’t let you down.
Visit the Rokbak website to find out more about the RA30 and RA40 or locate your nearest dealer.
