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East Africa Frontline News

NextFrontier Africa is a media platform spotlighting Africa’s emerging opportunities in technology, tourism, aviation, agriculture, health, logistics, real estate, trade, education, and e-commerce.

March 25.2025

2 Minutes Read

Empowering African Contractors: A Vision for Infrastructure Development

Promotional graphic for African trade conference with construction vehicles.

Empowering African Contractors: The Key to Infrastructure Development

The African construction sector is on the brink of transformation, with a new initiative called the EPC (Engineer, Procure, Construct) expected to revitalize local companies and bridge the continental infrastructure gap. This initiative is crucial, especially given that Africa currently faces a stunning infrastructure deficit exceeding $60 billion.

In EPC - Empowering African Contractors: Accelerating Infrastructure Development, the discussion dives into the challenges and opportunities for local construction firms in Africa.

Understanding the EPC Value Chain

The EPC value chain is designed to invigorate local participation in major construction projects. At a recent workshop in Morocco, stakeholders including Afreximbank highlighted the importance of financing facilitation and technology access as essential for empowering African contractors. Government support, international collaborations, and the harnessing of local expertise are all cited as vital components of this initiative, ultimately driving income and economic growth.

The Role of African Trade Banks

Part of the solution lies in supporting local contractors with accessible funding options. Afreximbank can play a pivotal role by providing financial models tailored specifically for African contractors, allowing them to bid on substantial projects without the crippling overhead often imposed by international financial institutions.

Addressing Operational Challenges

However, the path forward isn't without challenges. A recent survey highlighted several key barriers, including a lack of technical capacity, chaos in the bidding process, and insufficient knowledge of available contracts that hinder African contractors. Addressing these issues through training programs and workshops can significantly enhance participation in public tenders across the continent.

Innovation Meets Collaboration

The EPC initiative is not merely a policy but a call to action for African businesses. By embracing technology and collaboration, African contractors can pivot from being mere participants to leading players in the global construction landscape. The potential is significant, as seen with joint success stories in projects like the $4 billion Tanzanian dam, solely executed by African entities.

If you are an African business owner looking to be part of this transformative journey, consider engaging with these initiatives and seeking avenues for collaboration. Your participation can redefine the future of African infrastructure. Register now on the EPC platform for tailored opportunities!

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Empowering African Contractors: A Vision for Infrastructure Development

Empowering African Contractors: The Key to Infrastructure Development

Understanding the EPC Value Chain

The Role of African Trade Banks

Addressing Operational Challenges

Innovation Meets Collaboration

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