Mota-Engil is one of Africa’s most active construction and engineering contractors, with Africa now accounting for over 50% of the group’s backlog. It is active on the Kaduna–Kano–Maradi Railway (Nigeria), the Lobito Corridor maintenance (Angola), the Ibom Deep Sea Port (Nigeria, as part of the Bolloré–PowerChina consortium), Rwanda’s Bugesera International Airport, and multiple rail, road and mining projects across the continent. The group celebrates 80 years in operation in 2026 and is part-owned by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).
Company Profile
Key Developments
Africa accounts for over 50% of group backlog. Key current projects: Kaduna–Kano–Maradi SGR (Nigeria, co-contractor with CCECC); Lobito Corridor maintenance (Angola); Ibom Deep Sea Port (Nigeria — Bolloré–PowerChina consortium); Bugesera International Airport Rwanda (€162m additional contract August 2025); TDB/Trade Development Bank $250m syndicated facility (January 2026) supporting capital expenditure for rail, mining, ports and airports. Africa H1 2025 revenue growth led by Angola and Nigeria.
Key Risks
Heavy reliance on a small number of very large public-sector contracts in jurisdictions with political and payment risk. The CCCC ownership stake creates potential geopolitical complications for projects where Western DFIs or US/EU government partners are involved.
What Happens Next
Watch for Mota-Engil contract awards on the Kenya SGR Phase 2B/2C and any Lobito Corridor extension procurement — both natural follow-ons to its current East and Southern Africa positioning.