UK Firms Win £330 Million in African Infrastructure Contracts

British enterprises are poised to secure export contracts exceeding £330 million, facilitating the execution of nine significant infrastructure schemes across Guinea and Benin. These contracts will involve UK firms providing essential goods and services for projects related to education, clean water supply, electricity transmission, and government infrastructure, thereby fostering job creation and economic growth domestically while simultaneously delivering crucial infrastructure internationally.

The agreements are supported by £1.1 billion in financing and guarantees from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK’s export credit agency. The announcement coincides with the commencement of the fifth UK-West and Central Francophone Africa Trade and Investment Forum (WCAF) in Conakry, Guinea, which aims to connect British businesses with potential partners throughout the region.

Enhancing Trade Opportunities in Africa

In a strategic move, UKEF is also increasing its exposure capacity across West and Central Africa by an additional £1.7 billion, thus enhancing its ability to support future projects involving British exporters. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds remarked on the significance of these deals, stating:

“These agreements represent a significant triumph for UK businesses, enabling them to secure fresh contracts in rapidly expanding markets and fostering job creation and economic growth throughout the United Kingdom. By supporting projects of this nature, UK Export Finance is assisting British firms in obtaining work abroad, thereby creating opportunities for communities back home and strengthening our trade relationships across West and Central Africa.”

Significant Investments in Infrastructure

Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance, highlighted the success of British businesses in securing numerous contracts for vital infrastructure projects in the region over recent years. He noted that these initiatives not only drive job creation within the UK but also assist partners in francophone Africa in developing the infrastructure they require. Reid commented:

“This is the rationale behind hosting the WCAF; we have witnessed numerous deals being signed over the years, illustrating how UKEF can genuinely impact global development while stimulating growth across every area of the UK.”

UKEF is allocating £75 million to support a comprehensive education infrastructure programme, which will establish new primary and secondary schools across four regions. This initiative aims to enhance educational access for thousands of children by providing modern classrooms, sanitation facilities, and other related amenities, with the contract awarded to Planet One.

Water and Energy Projects in Focus

Furthermore, an investment of £91 million will bolster the Guinea Regional Water Project, which aims to increase access to clean drinking water through new treatment and distribution systems. This project is being executed by Aqua Africa, a UK-based company that has previously benefited from UKEF-backed financing for water infrastructure initiatives in the region.

Additionally, UKEF is contributing £129 million towards the La Cotiere Conakry Transmission project in Guinea, which is part of a broader electricity network enhancement programme designed to improve power distribution in the coastal areas of the country. The contract has been awarded to Elecnor and is anticipated to create opportunities within the UK supply chain for transmission equipment, grid technology, and engineering services.

Government Administrative Complex in Benin

In Benin, UKEF is providing £82 million to support the development of a new government administrative complex, which aims to consolidate public services within a modern urban setting. The contract has been awarded to ACC UK Group Ltd, creating opportunities for UK firms to engage in design, engineering, security systems, and specialised building services.

The WCAF V, organised by UKEF in collaboration with DMA Invest and the Guinean government, is scheduled to take place until 21 October 2026. Atam Sandhu, CEO of DMA Invest, emphasised the forum’s goal of translating relationships into tangible outcomes. He stated:

“WCAF is centred on converting relationships into results. Over five iterations, our objective at DMA has remained consistent: to unite governments, businesses, and financiers to accelerate the delivery of priority projects. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government and the people of Guinea for hosting WCAF V in Conakry and for their leadership, commitment, and hospitality that have fostered this burgeoning partnership.”