French industrial group MND, a specialist in ropeway transport, snowmaking systems, mountain safety and thrill-based leisure infrastructure, announces the creation of MND Africa, a subsidiary based in Casablanca, Morocco. With a three-person team on the ground, the new entity will structure and accelerate the Group’s development in urban and tourism solutions across Africa and the Indian Ocean. This new presence is part of MND’s international strategy, with more than 70% of its business already generated outside France and references in around 50 countries.

Cable transport: practical response to urban constraints

Cable transportation is reshaping cities: it crosses challenging terrain and rivers and helps reduce congestion where topographical, land or urban constraints make the deployment of heavy transport infrastructure (metro, tramway, etc.) complex, while keeping costs and land use under control. This momentum is already well established in Africa and the Indian Ocean: North Africa already has numerous urban cable transport systems, while new projects are now emerging across the continent, notably with the support of major international financial institutions.

« This mode of transport has a clear role to play in the new mobility solutions being developed across the continent. In the future, African cities will also move by cable. We want to contribute to this transformation, with humility and a long-term commitment,» says Xavier Gallot-Lavallée, Chairman of MND.

A long-term investment, close to customers

MND Africa represents a long-term investment, with a team based in Casablanca dedicated to developing the Group’s projects across the region and working closely with customers. The objective is to work alongside governments, cities and their financial partners to develop reliable and sustainable urban and tourism cable transportation solutions designed to last.

Morocco was chosen for two main reasons: the region’s maturity in urban cable transportation and the existence of several cable transport projects in Morocco, notably in the run-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Other markets are also being closely monitored, including Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, as well as the Indian Ocean, with projects in Madagascar and Mayotte.

ZÈL La Montagne, a flagship reference for Africa

“We are bringing a powerfull demonstration of our expertise with us,” says Xavier Gallot-Lavallée. In La Réunion Island, MND is currently building ZÈL La Montagne, set to become the world’s first energy self-sufficient urban cable car. “This is the same level of ambition we want to bring to the African continent.”

This reference adds to the Group’s successful track record in urban projects, including the renovation of the Montmartre funicular in Paris and the urban and tourism cable car in Huy, Belgium.

Mehdi Caillis-Menadjlia appointed Director of Africa & Indian Ocean Development

MND Africa’s development has been entrusted to Mehdi Caillis-Menadjlia, appointed Director of Africa & Indian Ocean Development. He has extensive knowledge of these markets and of the financing mechanisms involved in this type of project; notably, he was behind MND’s urban cable car project in La Réunion Island.