About Hassan Dakhlallah
Hassan Dakhlallah is a visionary entrepreneur, an infrastructure and construction professional, and an economic and urban development expert. As the Founder and CEO of PORTEO Group, he has been instrumental in transforming Africa’s infrastructure sector. His innovative approach has reshaped urban and economic development across multiple African countries, positioning him as a key figure in the continent’s growth.
Founder and CEO of PORTEO Group
PORTEO Group, founded by Hassan Dakhlallah in 2020, is a leading infrastructure conglomerate with operations in Côte d’Ivoire, Bénin, Togo, Senegal, and Gabon. PORTEO emerged as an expansion of Dakhlallah’s earlier construction company, NSE.CI, which he established in 2012 to address the growing demand for specialized infrastructure solutions in the African market. With PORTEO, Dakhlallah extended his vision to a broader market, enabling the company to complete transformative projects that have contributed to many African regions’ industrialization and economic development.
Transformative Projects and Achievements
Under Hassan Dakhlallah’s leadership, PORTEO has completed several groundbreaking projects, including constructing over 3,000 kilometers of roads and improving existing transportation networks. These initiatives have played a critical role in connecting remote areas and promoting regional economic development. Dakhlallah’s focus on infrastructure has significantly advanced industrialization in many places, driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for local communities.
PORTEO operates through five primary divisions: Infrastructure and Roads, Construction and Buildings, Industry and Materials, Real Estate Development, and Engineering and Services. This division structure has enhanced efficiency and accountability, allowing for a more integrated and autonomous approach to large-scale projects.
Areas of Expertise
Hassan Dakhlallah’s extensive experience has enabled him to develop specialized expertise across several key areas of infrastructure development:
Infrastructure Development: Dakhlallah is recognized for his contributions to Africa’s construction sector, which has fostered economic growth and helped establish African sovereignty in infrastructure.
Business Expansion Strategies: He has played a crucial role in expanding African enterprises and creating integrated initiatives that thrive in competitive markets.
Leadership and Management: Dakhlallah’s leadership of a multicultural company with over 10,000 employees has been a groundbreaking achievement in the African business landscape.
Strengthening Material Manufacturing: He advocates for developing Africa’s steel and concrete resources to bolster the continent’s economic independence.
Digitalization in Construction: PORTEO is at the forefront of leveraging technology and data to optimize infrastructure projects, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
Career Accomplishments
A series of professional accomplishments have marked Hassan Dakhlallah’s career. He founded PORTEO to address Africa’s infrastructure challenges. Under his leadership, the company has expanded into a multinational group, becoming one of the leading infrastructure firms in West Africa. His vision of investing in African talent and empowering local communities has driven the company’s success.
To date, PORTEO has created over 10,000 jobs and employed professionals from 23 different countries. The company has significantly contributed to building infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves connectivity across the continent.
Industry Recognition and Awards
Dakhlallah’s contributions to the infrastructure sector have earned him several prestigious awards and recognitions. In 2018, 2022, and 2024, he received the National Excellence Award from the government of Côte d’Ivoire, the highest honor given for outstanding contributions to national infrastructure development. In 2024, he received the GOLD Trophy at the International Africa Development Forum (FIAD), recognizing his excellence in South-South collaboration on African infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the African Development Bank (BAD) awarded him the Builder of the Year Award in 2024 for transforming African cities and economies.
Social Impact and the PORTEO Foundation
While Hassan Dakhlallah’s professional achievements in infrastructure are remarkable, he is equally proud of his lasting social impact. In addition to his work in infrastructure, he founded the PORTEO Foundation, which aims to improve education, healthcare, and sustainable development in Africa. He has invested in projects promoting women’s empowerment and community development through the foundation.
The PORTEO Foundation has supported numerous initiatives, including developing vocational training programs and educational scholarships and constructing schools and hospitals. Dakhlallah has worked tirelessly to ensure that the next generation of African engineers and construction professionals has the necessary skills and opportunities to succeed. By improving living conditions in rural areas, his work has significantly impacted the social well-being of African communities.
Hassan Dakhlallah’s Vision for Africa’s Future
Hassan Dakhlallah’s vision for Africa’s future is centered on sustainable growth, economic empowerment, and social progress. He sees infrastructure development as creating long-term value for African communities. He is committed to building projects that connect people, empower communities, and drive economic growth across the continent.
For Dakhlallah, each infrastructure project is more than just the construction of physical structures; it represents an opportunity to improve living conditions and create lasting change. A commitment to collaboration, innovation, and social responsibility characterizes his leadership. As a result, his work has not only transformed the physical landscape of Africa but has also contributed to the continent’s long-term economic and social stability.
Hassan Dakhlallah’s success as a leader in the African infrastructure sector has been driven by his vision, innovative approach, and commitment to improving the continent’s development. Through PORTER, he has transformed how infrastructure projects are approached, creating sustainable growth and a lasting impact on African communities. His leadership and achievements have cemented his position as one of the most influential figures in African infrastructure, and his work continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs, engineers, and community leaders.
