60Hassan Dakhlallah has emerged as a pioneering figure in the infrastructure sector across Africa. As the founder and CEO of PORTEO Group, his leadership has been fundamental in reshaping the continent’s infrastructure and building key projects that support economic growth and regional connectivity. His career has been defined by his ability to transform challenges into opportunities, making him a driving force in modernizing African infrastructure.
His journey began in 2012 with the founding of NSE.CI is a company designed to provide specialized construction services to address Africa’s rapidly expanding infrastructure needs. Recognizing the potential to scale his impact, Dakhlallah founded PORTEO Group in 2020, marking a pivotal expansion that allowed him to focus on larger, more diverse projects across the continent. PORTEO now operates in multiple countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, Bénin, Togo, Senegal, and Gabon, helping to bridge the gap between development and economic potential.
Under Dakhlallah’s leadership, PORTEO has completed significant projects, including constructing more than 3,000 kilometers of roads. These roads have enhanced transportation networks, improved accessibility, and promoted regional economic integration. The company’s work has facilitated better trade routes, boosted local economies, and provided communities with the infrastructure for sustainable growth. His strategic approach ensures that each project aligns with local needs and long-term development goals.
PORTEO operates with five key divisions: Infrastructure and Roads, Construction and Buildings, Industry and Materials, Real Estate Development, and Engineering and Services. This division of services allows the company to maintain a high level of specialization in each sector, ensuring that every project is managed efficiently and effectively. Dakhlallah’s ability to oversee these distinct yet interconnected divisions has been a key factor in the company’s ability to deliver complex infrastructure solutions across multiple markets.
In addition to his infrastructure achievements, Dakhlallah has significantly impacted Africa’s local industries. Through PORTEO, he has focused on strengthening the continent’s manufacturing capabilities, particularly in the steel and concrete sectors. His efforts have reduced reliance on imports, driven economic self-sufficiency, and created jobs in critical industries. He has fostered local production and contributed to Africa’s long-term economic resilience and self-sustainability.
Dakhlallah has also been a champion of innovation in the construction industry. Under his leadership, PORTEO has integrated cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize project management. By incorporating data-driven solutions and modern construction techniques, he has ensured that the company remains competitive, offering high-quality infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of the continent.
Beyond his business success, Dakhlallah is deeply committed to social responsibility. In 2020, he founded the PORTEO Foundation to focus on education, healthcare, and community development. The foundation supports vocational training programs, provides scholarships, and funds essential infrastructure projects that improve the quality of life in underserved areas. His philanthropic efforts align with his belief that sustainable development goes hand-in-hand with empowering individuals and communities.
Dakhlallah’s leadership and contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Excellence Award from the government of Côte d'Ivoire in 2018, 2022, and 2024. Additionally, he received the GOLD Trophy at the International Africa Development Forum in 2024 and was named Builder of the Year by the African Development Bank in 2024.
Through his work with the PORTEO Group and the PORTEO Foundation, Hassan Dakhlallah continues to create a lasting impact on Africa’s infrastructure and economic development, helping to lay the foundation for a more prosperous future.