JASolar
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
ICE - Italian Trade Commission techna
Kal Tire Mining
Synergy Consulting IFA Inc.

twitter Facebook Linkedin acp Contact Us

UKEF provides loan for Benin’s road project

Sogea-Satom UK will source goods and services from the UK supply chain and boost UK exports to the region. (Image source: UKEF)

The UK Export Finance (UKEF) has provided more than US$123.91mn loan to the government of Benin in support of a UK contract for construction firm Sogea-Satom, to redevelop the major interstate road, securing business for the UK supply chain

The agreement follows six months on from the Africa Investment Summit that took place in January of this year where the UK committed to being the ‘partner of choice’ for African nations.

Total UK exports to Benin were worth US$35.93mn in 2019 and this deal is set to significantly increase that figure during the two years of the road’s development.

Graham Stuart MP, minister for exports, said, “This deal will bring significant benefits to UK construction exporters and suppliers at a time when we need to keep trade flowing. It shows that UK businesses, with the right support from government, can continue to export anywhere in the world.”

Construction company Sogea-Satom UK, part of one of the world’s largest construction group VINCI, will undertake the works on the road between Bohicon and Parakou to better connect Benin to neighbouring Niger.

The rehabilitated road provides essential infrastructure for businesses in Benin. It will improve access to landlocked African countries to the north, helping to transform the country’s trading potential and allow the free flow of commercial traffic in the region.

In addition to this road project, Sogea Sotum UK is also responsible for managing other large-scale projects in Benin. These include civil works, construction of buildings, refurbishment and development of roads and construction of marine infrastructure. Sogea Sotum UK is strengthening its relationships with UK suppliers to contribute to its project pipeline in the region.

Jean-Michel Guelaud, CEO Africa at Sogea Satom UK, commented, “We are excited about this project which help us expand our overseas footprint and will have a profound impact on trade in West Africa. UKEF’s support was fundamental to the securing of this contact and shows the UK government belief in the importance of trade with dynamic, emerging economies.”

African Review
Italian Exhibition Group SpA techna

Most Read

The Bell team in Richards Bay consists of more than 800 machinists, welders, and assemblers. (Image source: Bell)

GFE Power Product’s extensive range covers generators from 10 kVA up to 3,000 kVA. (Image source: GFE Power Products)

The funding is the largest-ever equity raise in the minigrid industry according to Husk. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The initiative will help African contractors participate in annual infrastructure investments. (Image source: Afreximbank)

ITS has evolved into a sophisticated systems approach, providing numerous opportunities to revolutionise road networks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Invest International’s Lara Muller; Ivory Coast Minister of Finance and Economy, Adam Coulibaly; and Ambassador Designate to Ivory Coast, Jeroen Kelderhuis. (Image source: Invest International)

Inside Condra’s Johannesburg factory: an overhead crane positions an electric motor during assembly of hoist and crab. (Image source: Condra)

The Yellow Metal Machine Rental team with some Wacker Neuson equipment. (Image source: Wacker Neuson)

Although displaying resilience, the report warns that African banks remain exposed to physical climate risks due to both sovereign and industry lending. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

WAA and VCMI will seek to establish regulatory frameworks to enable access to high integrity and fair voluntary carbon markets for WAA member countries. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The parties will also promote the mutual exchange of information and expertise in the field of export credit policies and practices. (Image source: TBD Group)

IVECO is renewing its entire product range, all at once. (Image source: IVECO)

The MoU was signed alongside the Africa Health Business Symposium. (Image source: Africa CDC)

Both the IMF and EIU expect SSA to rank as the world’s second fastest growing economy in 2024. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

There has been a focus on the sugar industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Latest news

The pylon spires of South Africa's Msikaba Bridge mega project are on their way up, soon to be almost 130 m high at each side of the deep river gorge. (Image source: Concor)

US$4bn in capital investments is required between now and 2030 to reach universal access to clean cooking in sub-Saharan Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The agreement was witnessed by Prime Minister of Egypt, HE Moustafa Madbouly and HE Mohamed Shaker, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy of Egypt. (Image source: Infinity Power)

According to Rokbak, knowing the capabilities and limits of your hauler puts you in control. (Image source: Rokbak)

The opening of the new facility took place during the Elevate Africa Conference. (Image source: CCI Global)

The break to load shedding has been a welcome relief for South African businesses. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The project prioritises the development of climate resilient infrastructure. (Image source: AFC)

The project was initially awarded to AMEA Power through an international tender programme that was launched by Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry and SMEs. (Image source: AMEA Power)

According to Danfoss, BOCK’s renowned compressors are a natural fit for its existing solutions range. (Image source: Danfoss)

The SEW-EURODRIVE gearbox offering allows for a plug and play solution on existing centre pivot irrigation equipment, presenting a valuable and unique concept to the local agricultural sector. (Image source: SEW-EURODRIVE)

The new facility, powered by Wärtsilä, will help address Nigeria’s increasing demand for cement. (Image source: Wärtsilä)

Both barcode and RFID readers are used in integrated intelligent manufacturing solutions. (Image source: Brady)

Ayman Ashour, CEO of Siemens Mobility Turnkey MEA. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)

Advantages of MSC solutions include one-stop shop convenience, an efficient claim process, and tailored competitive rates. (Image source: MSC)

The innovative formula of Watershield cement offers enhanced water resistance and durability. (Image source: Lafarge Africa)