Bechtel Corporation seeks to expand its footprint in Africa

Bechtel Corporation, a leading player in the engineering and construction project management sector, is eyeing an expansion of its footprint in Africa. With a rich history of over 70 years on the continent and involvement in more than 400 projects, Bechtel is now gearing up to capitalize on the new wave of infrastructure development sweeping across the region. In a recent interview, the corporation's Regional President, Andrew Patterson, shed light on Bechtel's strategy, priorities, and vision for infrastructure development in Africa. Bechtel specializes in delivering large-scale, complex projects with a focus on quality, safety, and local capacity building. Patterson emphasized the importance of helping governments and private sectors implement infrastructure projects efficiently while prioritizing local content and skill development. This approach not only benefits Bechtel's clients but also contributes to the long-term growth and sustainability of the countries where they operate. Despite facing competition from other entities, including Chinese firms, Bechtel remains focused on its unique value proposition in handling large, intricate projects. Patterson highlighted Bechtel's commitment to quality, safety, and local capacity building as key differentiators that set the company apart in a competitive landscape. By leveraging its decades of experience and expertise, Bechtel aims to continue playing a vital role in shaping Africa's infrastructure landscape. When it comes to government procurement systems and project implementation, Patterson expressed satisfaction with the proactive approach taken by some African governments. He praised countries like Kenya for their leadership in infrastructure development and creating a conducive business environment for companies like Bechtel. By aligning with forward-thinking governments and supporting their initiatives, Bechtel seeks to contribute to the success of infrastructure projects while driving economic growth and development. Looking ahead, Patterson remains optimistic about the future of infrastructure development in Africa. Despite political uncertainties such as upcoming elections, Bechtel maintains a long-term perspective, focusing on sustained partnerships and project planning that spans decades. The corporation's dedication to local capacity building is exemplified by its efforts in Angola, where over 8,000 local employees have been trained, leading to lasting skill transfers and positive impacts on the local workforce. Bechtel Corporation's vision for Africa revolves around more than just construction projects - it centers on nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and building a legacy of sustainable infrastructure. As the continent embarks on the next generation of infrastructure development, Bechtel stands ready to lend its expertise and support to drive progress and prosperity in Africa.