Caterpillar, its independent dealers and the company’s philanthropic organization, the Caterpillar Foundation, have announced plans to invest more than $1bn in countries throughout Africa over the next five years.

Doug Oberhelman, Caterpillar Chairman and CEO, said: “For 90 years, Caterpillar machines have helped build critical infrastructure projects throughout Africa. Today, we bring not only construction machinery to the continent, but also traditional and renewable power generation solutions, diesel-electric locomotives, marine engines and mining equipment.”

“With today’s announcement, we are proudly confirming our plan to make a long-term investment to help build, develop and power communities, and serve as an education and training partner to broaden and strengthen local workforce talent and expertise,” he said.

Caterpillar is intended to provide a major upgrade in customer service capabilities – including enhanced parts distribution capacity, new state-of-the-art Certified Rebuild Centers, new dealer branch locations, the expansion of Caterpillar’s Technicians for Africa online skills development program and millions of dollars to support programs that lift people out of poverty.

With approximately 15,000 Caterpillar and Cat dealer employees in Africa, Caterpillar already has a significant footprint in this important and growing market.

Caterpillar’s investment will increase that footprint, while simultaneously boosting the infrastructure development and skills training capabilities necessary in African countries for them to continue their rise in global competitiveness.

Founded in 1952, Caterpillar's philanthropic organization, the Caterpillar Foundation has contributed more than $650m to help make sustainable progress possible around the world by providing program support in the areas of environmental sustainability, access to education and basic human needs. 

Since 2010, the Caterpillar Foundation has invested approximately $50m to support projects in Africa focused on impacting those living in poverty, and specifically girls and women, through training, policy work, entrepreneurship programs and more.

These investments are benefiting hundreds of thousands with access to education, energy, clean water and sanitation, and microfinance.

Building on these historical investments, the Caterpillar Foundation will commit an additional approximately $15m by the year 2020 to organizations working to improve lives across Africa.