Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 4SQ, UK +44 (0)1525 382 135 enquiries@roadgrip.co.uk

For the past five years, Roadgrip Africa has been at the forefront of airfield and highway maintenance across the African continent. With a steadfast commitment to community engagement, we prioritise employing local professionals in every project, to bolster regional economies and foster sustainable development.

Our African teams specialise in a comprehensive range of services, including:

  • Airfield Maintenance: Runway grooving, rubber removal, friction testing, and line marking to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
  • Highway Maintenance: Road marking, traffic calming measures, and surface treatments to improve road safety and durability.

We’re also expanding our motorsports services into the region so watch this space for some interesting race circuit designs!

African Airports and Highways

For now, we’ve been busy improving the surfaces of the continent’s roads and airfields. From Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar to Rwanda and Ghana, our African teams have been busy transporting equipment and skills across vast distances in this incredible area of the world. Here are a few of our recent projects:

  • Runway Grooving in Uganda: At Kabaale International Airport in Hoima, Uganda, our team completed precise runway grooving on the newly constructed 3,500m-long, 45m-wide runway. This process enhances water drainage and skid resistance, ensuring safe landings and take-offs in Uganda’s tropical climate. Read more
  • Runway Friction Testing & Rubber Removal in Tanzania: At Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, our team conducted friction testing and removed over 30,000 square meters of rubber deposits. Utilising ultra-high-pressure water blasting technology, we ensured the runway met international safety standards while minimising disruption by working night shifts. Read more
  • Runway Rubber Removal & Friction Testing in Zanzibar: At Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, we removed 18,500 square meters of rubber buildup and performed friction tests to ensure optimal runway conditions. Collaborating closely with air traffic control, our team executed the project during short nighttime windows to maintain airport operations. Read more
  • Runway Rubber Removal in Kigali, Rwanda: Returning for the third time to Kigali International Airport, our experts removed 20,000 square meters of rubber using ultra-high-pressure machinery. This process improved runway grip and safety for landing aircraft, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to aviation safety in the region. Read more
  • Road Marking & Traffic Calming on West Demerara Highway, Ghana: Our highways division applied thermoplastic road markings to 150,000 linear meters of highway and installed rumble strips and junctions. These enhancements contributed to improved road safety and traffic management in the area. Read more

How African Roads and Runways Differ 

One of the key differences between roads and runways in Africa compared to Europe lies in the materials used, the impact of climate, and maintenance challenges. African road and runway surfaces often need to withstand extreme heat and heavy seasonal rains, requiring materials that offer greater resistance to thermal expansion and water erosion.

Due to these climate factors, road surfaces may incorporate modified bitumen or polymer-based solutions to increase durability. Additionally, maintenance strategies must be adapted to manage the effects of rapid wear and tear caused by intense UV exposure and sudden downpours. Unlike Europe, where winter conditions demand de-icing solutions, African infrastructure maintenance focuses on preventing surface softening and rutting under extreme heat.

This is why it is crucial to use local experts who understand the specific requirements for each surface type. Roadgrip Africa brings deep knowledge of regional conditions, ensuring that materials and techniques are suited to the environment. With a specialised fleet of equipment, strong global logistics support, and decades of expertise, we deliver the highest standards of precision and durability in every project.

Community Commitment

At Roadgrip Africa, we believe that our success is intertwined with the prosperity of the communities we serve. By employing local talent and collaborating with regional partners, we ensure that our projects not only meet international standards but also leave a lasting positive impact on local economies.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to expand our footprint across Africa, Roadgrip Africa remains dedicated to delivering excellence in infrastructure maintenance. Our blend of global expertise and local engagement positions us as a trusted partner for projects that drive safety, efficiency, and community development.

For more information about our services or to discuss potential collaborations, please contact us.