Revolutionizing Africa’s Construction Sector

20 Leading Companies to Watch in 2024

Building bridges is about connecting not just two pieces of land but people and possibilities. – Georges ALE. Georges ALE, a luminary in the realm of civil engineering and holder of a Ph.D. coupled with an MBA from INSEAD, stands as a beacon of transformative leadership in the construction industry. For over 25 years, he has steered the course of colossal projects and subsidiaries, leaving an indelible mark on the landscapes of Africa, the Middle East, and France. His latest triumph? helm of Colas Africa as its Managing Director.

Amidst the towering achievements, Georges discerned a critical gap in Africa’s infrastructure tapestry—an absence of specialized project management structures. Undeterred by challenges, he unfurled the banner of change in 2021 with the inception of SDP, a project development company that promises to be a game-changer in the continent’s developmental narrative.

In an exclusive conversation with our magazine, Georges ALE unveils the blueprint of SDP, a manifestation of his resolute commitment to transforming Africa’s infrastructure landscape. “Building bridges goes beyond physical structures; it’s about forging connections—connecting not just two pieces of land, but people and possibilities,” Georges emphasizes.

SDP, under Georges’s seasoned guidance, aspires to redefine project development in Africa. The company’s ethos is rooted in a profound understanding of the region’s unique challenges and opportunities. Georges’s vision for SDP is not merely constructing roads and buildings but weaving a narrative of progress and connectivity.

This feature delves into the visionary journey of Georges ALE—a scholar, leader, and now, a pioneer. We unravel the intricacies of SDP, exploring how it plans to revolutionize project development by aligning innovation with local needs. Georges ALE’s story is more than a professional trajectory; it’s a testament to the transformative power of a singular vision—a vision that transcends concrete and steel, aiming to connect a continent to its full potential.

Join us as we journey through Georges ALE’s visionary odyssey, where each project is a chapter in the larger story of Africa’s evolution.

The Entrepreneurial Genesis

Embarking on a visionary journey, Georges initiated the establishment of Strategic Development Partners (SDP) after a thorough SWOT analysis exposed critical gaps in Africa’s construction sector. The statistical revelation that over 80% of infrastructure projects failed to meet objectives propelled SDP’s mission to counterbalance failure rates prevalent in resource-limited countries with significant infrastructure needs.

A noteworthy discovery was the dearth of local capacity in Africa’s construction sector, leading to limited market share for indigenous companies. Furthermore, the absence of structured projects in the financing landscape necessitates a more substantial role for the private sector. Achieving this, however, requires robust legal frameworks, asset protection, and enhanced comprehension of structured financing mechanisms by local private entities.

Amidst a career marked by frequent relocations, diverse job transitions, and exposure to multicultural environments, launching SDP in 2021 posed Georges’ most formidable challenge. Departing a secure executive position at a corporate giant, he ventured into the realm of startups focused on providing intellectual services in an industry that traditionally prioritizes tangible outcomes.

Championing Infrastructure Project Management in Africa

SDP stands as a global consulting firm, specializing in infrastructure project management. The interdisciplinary team, comprising engineers, financial analysts, and legal experts, collaborates to deliver premier intellectual services to public and private clients across Africa. SDP’s service spectrum includes project management assistance, consulting in project finance, and facilitating public-private partnerships.

With a mission to work alongside project owners, SDP strives to plan, coordinate, and monitor project execution. The firm extends its services to encompass the Project Management Office (PMO), Planning, Piloting, Coordination, and 360° project audits. In a region where project failure rates soar above 80%, SDP aims to mitigate setbacks for private and public stakeholders. Moreover, the firm supports companies in restructuring, skill transfer, project management, and operational procedure implementation.

SDP’s pivotal role in fostering controlled and sustainable infrastructure development is underlined by its commitment to local capacity building and addressing contemporary challenges like digital technology, climate change, and ethics.

Georges envisions SDP evolving into a benchmark firm in Infrastructure Project Management for Public and Private Clients in Africa by 2030. Guided by core values—ethics, competence, benevolence, and exemplary leadership—the firm is poised to actualize its objectives and contribute significantly to Africa’s infrastructure development.

Demonstrating Expertise and Professionalism

In just over a year, SDP has garnered the trust of several companies seeking restructuring expertise to enhance operations and organization. Entrusted with managing projects in their portfolios, SDP has also secured commitments from governments and industrial and mining companies. The growing clientele is a testament to the professionalism and expertise embodied by SDP’s team and the quality of services rendered.

Georges takes pride in witnessing SDP’s vision materialize and anticipates a sustained positive impact on Africa’s infrastructure development. “Success is the final output of a series of failures; we get there by staying the course and never giving up. Being focused, working hard, and leading a good team,” remarks Georges.

Innovative Solutions for Enhanced Infrastructure Development

Addressing the endemic issues of cost and time overruns in the construction industry, Georges delves into the intricate analysis of project costs. Two perspectives emerge: the intrinsic costs, often inflated due to imported equipment and human resources, and the cost overruns resulting from project management deficiencies. These challenges, contributing to increased costs and delays, demand strategic interventions to streamline the infrastructure development process.

SDP recommends the integration of digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) for enhanced coordination and collaboration among stakeholders. Effective risk management strategies and robust contract management mechanisms are proposed to identify, mitigate risks, and ensure accountability, subsequently ensuring timely and budget-friendly project deliveries.

Global Initiatives to Propel Africa’s Infrastructure Development

Georges underscores the escalating global awareness concerning the urgent need to expedite infrastructure development in Africa. Initiatives such as the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Europe’s $150 billion mobilization pledge, and President Joe Biden’s $600 billion plan signify a potential influx of multilateral funding. While these commitments offer opportunities, Georges acknowledges the imperative of strengthening local capacities to navigate project implementation complexities.

Advocacy for Access to Private Financing

Highlighting the critical issue of access to financing, particularly the increasing role of private financing, Georges stresses the need for improved legal frameworks, robust feasibility studies, and a heightened understanding of structured financing mechanisms by African stakeholders. While the sector anticipates increased international participation, Georges advocates for digital technology adoption, enhanced utilization of data generated by construction activities, and intensified local capacity building.

Recognition and Dedication to Africa

Georges’ leadership acumen received recognition from the President of Niger, elevating him to the rank of officer in the Order of Merit of Niger. Acknowledging Georges as a symbol of an ideal leader, the President emphasized his success, unifying spirit, innovation, and commitment—a momentous acknowledgment that reinforces Georges’ dedication to Africa, particularly his home country, Benin.

In conclusion, Georges’ journey with SDP exemplifies resilience, vision, and a commitment to transforming Africa’s infrastructure landscape. As SDP navigates the complexities, its trajectory aligns with the broader narrative of Africa’s rising potential in infrastructure development—an unfolding story scripted by Georges’ entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication.