McJosnah Group | Veronica Simon, Group General Manager | Industrial Growth | E-Commerce | Heavy-Duty Equipment | African Development | Technology Leadership
Exclusive Executive Interview | McJosnah Group’s Digital Industrial Transformation
Introduction
In this exclusive RismadarVoice Executive Feature, Veronica Simon, Group General Manager of McJosnah Group, outlines the Group’s strategic vision for the next five years, highlighting the upcoming launch of McJosnah.com Africa’s premier digital marketplace for heavy-duty machinery, industrial equipment, genuine spare parts, marine vessels, and aviation-grade engines.
This platform is a critical element of McJosnah Group’s ambition to provide seamless industrial access, strengthen supply chains across Africa, and accelerate the continent’s transformation into a globally competitive industrial hub.
A Strategic Industrial Philosophy
RismadarVoice: McJosnah Group has grown rapidly across multiple sectors. What drives this expansion?
Ms. Simon:
Our expansion is guided by a clear strategic vision: to create reliable industrial systems that empower Africa. Access to critical machinery and equipment is foundational to sustainable economic growth. McJosnah Group is deliberately structured to integrate operations across heavy industry, logistics, real estate, media, and digital commerce, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and impact.
We are focused on creating long-term value, not short-term gains. Each subsidiary serves a specific industrial purpose but contributes to the broader continental vision.
“Digital access is the future of Africa’s industrial revolution”
– Ms Simon
McJosnah.com: Africa’s Industrial Gateway
RismadarVoice: The platform launching Monday is generating significant interest. Why is it so important?
Ms. Simon:
McJosnah.com is more than an e-commerce platform, it is an industrial access system. It is designed to provide verified, secure, and transparent access to:
- Heavy-duty machinery
- Construction equipment
- Agricultural machinery
- Marine vessels and offshore equipment
- Oil and gas machinery
- Industrial engines and generators
- Aviation-compatible spare parts
African businesses and governments often face complex procurement processes. Our platform simplifies acquisition, ensures quality verification, and delivers industrial assets efficiently. It also integrates secure payment, shipment tracking, and after-sales support, establishing a professional standard for industrial commerce on the continent.
From Distribution to Industrial Leadership
RismadarVoice: McJosnah Motors/Vessels Ltd began primarily as a distribution company. How is this evolving?
Ms. Simon:
We are transitioning from distribution into industrial leadership. The next phase involves assembling, supplying, and eventually locally manufacturing high-spec machinery.
Africa’s industrial independence depends on building capacity. Digital access through McJosnah.com accelerates this by enabling companies to acquire machinery efficiently and transparently.
Real Estate and Urban Development
RismadarVoice: What developments are ongoing in real estate?
Ms. Simon:
McJosnah Estates and Structures Ltd is advancing a major residential project in Abuja. The development will provide:
- 2- and 3-bedroom units
- Servant quarters
- Eco-friendly design features
- Renewable energy integration
- Smart home automation
Our real estate projects are designed to promote sustainable urban growth and provide high-quality, efficient living spaces.
Rismadar Media: Information and Influence
RismadarVoice: What role does Rismadar play within the Group?
Ms. Simon:
Rismadar is the Group’s institutional voice. Through our media operations including RismadarVoice Newspaper and RismadarVoice TV we provide credible information, promote transparency, and strengthen institutional presence.
We are also building a broader media ecosystem that includes radio and digital platforms, enhancing engagement with stakeholders and reinforcing our reputation as a responsible corporate entity.
Transport and Logistics
RismadarVoice: What is the strategic role of Sterlade Transporters Ltd?
Ms. Simon:
Transport is a core enabler of commerce. Sterlade Transporters provides:
- Heavy-duty haulage
- Freight forwarding
- Courier services
- Executive and industrial transport
Our five-year plan includes expanding regional freight routes and developing charter services for heavy machinery, industrial equipment, and corporate mobility. Efficient transport systems are critical to industrial productivity.
Corporate Governance and Leadership
RismadarVoice: How do you maintain operational alignment across diverse subsidiaries?
Ms. Simon:
Alignment is achieved through robust governance, clear performance metrics, and systematic accountability. Every company operates with defined objectives, but all are aligned under the Group’s overarching strategy: industrial relevance, digital transformation, and sustainable value creation.
Leadership is measured by impact, consistency, and operational excellence.
Opportunities for African Industry
RismadarVoice: What do you see as Africa’s greatest industrial opportunity?
Ms. Simon:
Africa’s opportunity lies in technology-enabled industrialisation. Digital platforms like McJosnah.com remove barriers to entry, create efficiency, and allow local industries to compete globally.
The future belongs to companies that combine industrial assets with scalable systems, governance, and digital accessibility.
Message to African Entrepreneurs
Ms. Simon:
Entrepreneurs should focus on building systems, not just businesses. Prioritise integrity, operational excellence, and scalability. Africa requires builders who can create industrial infrastructure, not just income streams.
Closing Statement
“With the launch of McJosnah.com on Monday, we are not merely releasing an e-commerce platform. We are establishing an industrial gateway for Africa connecting buyers, suppliers, and industries with transparency, efficiency, and reliability. This is a transformative step for the continent’s industrial future.”
— Veronica Simon, Group General Manager, McJosnah Group
About the Interviewee
Veronica Simon serves as the Group General Manager of McJosnah Group, overseeing operational execution, subsidiary integration, and strategic industrial development across the Group’s diversified portfolio. She is responsible for driving the Group’s digital and industrial transformation agenda across Africa
