Africa Construction

Face à l’augmentation importante des dépenses publiques depuis 2009, les autorités gabonaises ont récemment décidé de créer l’Agence de régulation des marchés publics (ARMP) qui sera chargée de rationaliser et de superviser les achats publics.

After several years of strong demand growth, the economic slowdown and investment uncertainty associated with the 2011 revolution and its aftermath have dampened steel consumption in Egypt, leaving potential supply above demand. This gap partly explains the government’s decision to impose import tariffs, the rationale being that Egypt should not need imports if its domestic supply outstrips its own needs. For steel consumers, however, it is not necessarily that simple. They feel they should be free to import cheaper foreign products.

Despite the potential of a massive infrastructure-spending programme by the South African government to spur growth for the construction industry local contractors are grappling with delays in tendering many projects, which is leaving order books thinly marked and confidence low.

Désormais assurée de bénéficier de l'aide indispensable de bailleurs de fonds extérieurs, la Côte d’Ivoire a initié une série de projets pour reconstruire la plupart de ses infrastructures, marquées par plus d'une décennie de conflits.

The slow rollout of state infrastructure projects and subdued activity in the private sector is once again putting pressure on South Africa’s construction industry, prompting some firms to expand activity abroad by tapping into regional markets.

The government is placing renewed attention on tackling the housing deficit, with an emphasis on private sector investment, better urban planning and more low-cost homes. Two recently launched projects that dovetail with these aims could point the way for construction development.