PPC Ltd, once the largest cement company in the South African market, is making headlines again with a significant upturn in its financial performance for the fiscal year 2025. The company's latest reports indicate an impressive 110.5% increase in full-year Headline Earnings per Share (HEPS), a positive signal for stakeholders amidst ongoing challenges of competition and low-priced cement imports. Matias Cardarelli, the CEO of PPC, shed light on these developments in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. Cardarelli, who helms PPC across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, attributes much of this success to strategic internal improvements. “It’s been a transformative period of operational efficiencies that we call 'Awaken the Giant'. In just one year, our EBITDA as a group grew by 28%, with our margin increasing by four percentage points, and cash generation soared by over 300%,” explained Cardarelli. The 'Awaken the Giant' initiative has been central to PPC's internal overhaul, focusing on streamlining logistics, reducing outbound costs by 14%, and optimizing energy consumption. These efforts were crucial as South Africa's market has experienced no significant growth in over a decade. “By focusing on what we can control, we are seeing encouraging signals for this turnaround,” he noted. PPC's consistent market leadership in Zimbabwe despite economic challenges in the region further underpins its positive trajectory. With more than 50% market share, the company has augmented its EBITDA margin by six percentage points there, reflecting a significant stride in a region often discussed for its economic struggles. Discussing the potential for expansion, Cardarelli remains cautiously optimistic. “South African infrastructure projects, supported by a trillion rand budget allocation, could catalyze growth. However, while the private sector has shown positive signs, governmental investment will be a crucial factor for sustained development,” he expressed. Yet, competition from imports presents a persistent hurdle. Countries like Vietnam and Mozambique are outpacing South African production due to lower costs. Cardarelli emphasized the need for balanced local policies that do not necessarily 'protect' inefficient operations but create a competitive field for local companies. “Dialogue with the government on issues like carbon tax could result in mutually beneficial solutions,” he suggested. PPC's future strategy involves steadily working towards competitive dominance before pursuing market expansion. “The key is competitiveness, enhancing efficiency before considering market share,” Cardarelli reiterated. As Cardarelli looks toward the latter half of the fiscal year, he hopes for positive growth from infrastructure spending, underlining a cautious optimism about the region's economic recovery. “We have seen negative cycles elsewhere turn around, and South Africa will see improvement driven by its construction sector,” he stated. PPC has not only focused on its operational metrics but has also ensured a healthy repatriation of dividends from Zimbabwe, indicating stable economic conditions for the company’s operations across its footprint. In closing, the interview veered off into lighter territory, discussing the recent tennis matches, a subtle reminder that both business and sports can offer insights and inspiration during challenging times. Cardarelli's tenure at PPC is thus characterized by transformation and efficiency, setting a course for future growth amidst a recovering economic backdrop.