Mota-Engil’s Remarkable Growth in Africa: A 2025 Lens
In an impressive display of resilience and strategic foresight, Portuguese construction group Mota-Engil has reported robust profits and a record order backlog of €15.7 billion for the first nine months of 2025. This growth has been mainly fueled by a dynamic African market, showcasing the continent’s rising influence in global infrastructure development.
Strong Momentum in African Operations
Company executives attributed this success to the sustained momentum of their operations across Africa. In their latest financial update, Mota-Engil emphasized, “Activity continues to show strong momentum, driven by sustained growth in Africa.” This sentiment is indicative of a broader trend in which Africa has emerged as a hotspot for investment and development, especially in the construction and engineering sectors.
Celebrating Eight Decades of Excellence
As Mota-Engil approaches its 80th anniversary in 2026, the company has solidified its position as a key player in the African infrastructure space. Its partnership with China Construction Communications has further enhanced its capabilities and reach, allowing it to tackle an array of projects, from highways to railways that are pivotal for the continent’s growth.
Spotlight on Engineering and Construction
The company’s financial statement highlighted its “outstanding performance in Africa,” particularly within the engineering and construction (E&C) segment. Currently, Africa represents over half of Mota-Engil’s entire backlog, with key operations concentrated in Angola and Nigeria. This strategic focus underscores how the company is aligning its resources to leverage growth in these emerging markets.
Key Railway Projects
In the realm of railway infrastructure, Mota-Engil is engaged in several strategic initiatives. Notably, they are involved in maintaining the Lobito Corridor project—a critical transport route in Angola. Additional works in both Angola and Nigeria are underway, signifying the company’s commitment to enhancing the interconnectedness of these nations through improved rail infrastructure.
Major Industrial Ventures
Beyond railways, Mota-Engil is busy executing several major industrial projects. They are working alongside DP World on the Banana Port in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a vital hub for trade and commerce. In Mali, projects for Allied Gold at the Sadiola mine and for Managem at the newly inaugurated Boto gold mine in Senegal further illustrate the company’s dedication to expanding its industrial footprint across the continent.
Expanding Horizons in Rwanda
In a noteworthy move earlier this year, Mota-Engil secured an additional €162 million in contracts linked to Rwanda’s Bugesera International Airport project. This adds to their growing portfolio in aviation infrastructure, which is a niche area that remains underdeveloped yet holds immense potential for growth in Africa.
A Mixed Performance Regionally
Interestingly, while Mota-Engil’s performance in Africa has been stellar, its results from other regions like Europe and Latin America have been more tempered. Turnover for the nine-month period stood at €4.1 billion, reflecting a largely flat trajectory. However, net profit soared by 20% to €92 million, compared to €77 million in the previous year, demonstrating that the company’s strategic focus on Africa is yielding significant returns.
Attracting Global Attention
The remarkable performance in Africa could pique the interest of other international contractors keen on tapping into the continent’s potential for higher growth and returns. As governments work to bridge infrastructure gaps, the opportunities for robust investment are becoming increasingly apparent, making Africa an attractive landscape for construction and engineering firms.
Relevant Links for Further Exploration
For those looking to dive deeper into related developments, additional resources include: