Hitachi Restructured Africa Dealership Network
The manufacturer has updated its distribution network across West and Central Africa ahead of a 2026 transition.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Buying/Selling
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Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe has announced a significant restructuring of its dealership network across West and Central Africa. The company will transition away from its partnership with SMT as its authorized dealer in the region.
Why it matters
This realignment aims to optimize equipment distribution and service capabilities for construction and mining clients. By shifting territory responsibilities and establishing direct operations, Hitachi intends to secure long-term support for its regional fleet.
MDA will serve as the new authorized dealer for construction equipment across 13 nations in the region. Additionally, Movicortes will expand its existing dealership territory to encompass 10 additional countries.
The players
Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe
This entity is a major manufacturer of construction and mining equipment that operates across European and African markets.
SMT
SMT is an established equipment distributor that has historically managed dealership operations for Hitachi in various African markets.
MDA
MDA is an equipment dealer that will take over as the authorized representative for Hitachi construction machinery in 13 African nations.
Movicortes
Movicortes is a dealership group that is expanding its operational footprint by adding 10 countries to its service territory.
The details
Hitachi is coordinating the transition with its various partners to ensure continuity in equipment sales, aftermarket support, and technical services. The manufacturer will also launch a direct presence to manage mining operations in Morocco and Mauritania.
Timeline
SMT will cease its role as an authorized Hitachi dealer at the end of 2026.
Roadmap
This reorganization reflects a broader industry shift toward centralized dealer management and direct factory-to-customer service models. The move positions Hitachi to consolidate its market share by focusing on specialized service providers for heavy infrastructure projects.
Regional customers should prepare for changes in local service contacts and aftermarket support channels as the dealer transition progresses. Owners of Hitachi machinery should verify their new designated service provider to ensure continued access to parts and technical support.
The takeaway
Customers operating within these markets should maintain consistent communication with their current dealers to ensure a seamless handover of service contracts. Proactive engagement with the new service providers will be essential to maintaining operational uptime for heavy equipment fleets.
Further reading
For more on industry distribution trends, visit our /automotive/buying-selling/ section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Construction Briefing.
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