5 Biggest Ongoing Projects in Africa

In the heart of Africa, where ambitions rise as high as the African sun, colossal projects are shaping the future and echoing the aspirations of an entire continent.

These ongoing projects showcase the continent's determination to embrace progress, redefine urban living, and foster economic growth.

From the desert sands of Egypt to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria, each project paints a unique picture of Africa's inexorable march towards a brighter tomorrow.

Come, let us explore these magnificent endeavors that are redefining the very fabric of the African landscape.

Egypt's New Capital City

This is currently the biggest ongoing project in Africa. The project is a new urban community in Cairo Governorate, Egypt and a satellite of Cairo City. It is planned to be Egypt's new capital and has been under construction since 2015.

Announced on the 13th of March 2015 by the Egyptian housing minister Mostafa Madbouly at the Egypt Economic Development Conference. The project is part of a larger initiative called Egypt Vision 2030.

The ongoing project which is yet to be named has an estimated cost of at least $ 250 billion.

Tanzania's Bagamoyo Port

In January 2023, the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) confirmed the beginning of preparations for the construction of the Bagamoyo Port at the cost of $10 billion.

The ongoing project also includes a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), expected to have 700 companies. The Bagamoyo port will be located 40 nautical miles north of Dar es Salaam and 10 kilometres from Bagamoyo town.

It is estimated to be the largest port in East Africa with a capacity of about 20 million TEUs by 2045, 25 times the amount of cargo that the Dar es Salaam port handles.

New Alamein City, Egypt

This project was conceived by the Egyptian government as a centre for tourism, education, and government. With an estimated cost of $60 billion, the city will have its own presidential palace and ministry building.

The project includes three universities, fifteen skyscrapers and high-rise towers, and 10,000 hotel rooms.

Reports say the Egyptian government intends for New Alamein to bring large numbers of tourists to the Mediterranean beaches of the northwest coast.

LAPSSET Corridor, Kenya

Switching gears to East Africa, Kenya's ambitious Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor beckons.

This $24.5 billion project pioneers a new era of infrastructure. It also brings together Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

This mega project consists of seven key infrastructure projects starting with a new 32 Berth port at Lamu (Kenya); Interregional Highways from Lamu to Isiolo, Isiolo to Juba (South Sudan), Isiolo to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Lamu to Garsen (Kenya).

It also includes a Crude Oil Pipeline from Lamu to Isiolo, Isiolo to Juba; a Product Oil Pipeline from Lamu to Isiolo, Isiolo to Addis Ababa; Interregional Standard Gauge Railway lines from Lamu to Isiolo, Isiolo to Juba, Isiolo to Addis Ababa, and Nairobi to Isiolo.

Others include 3 International Airports: one each at Lamu, Isiolo, and Lake Turkana; 3 Resort Cities: one each at Lamu, Isiolo and Lake Turkana; and The multipurpose High Grand Falls Dam along the Tana River.

Nigeria's Centenary City

This is the 5th biggest ongoing project in Africa. It is a $18 billion master-planned development coming up on 1,260 hectares of virgin land located in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Centenary City will include a museum, and cultural center, world-class hotels, Grade A offices, and residential districts.

It will also have a mixed-use urban centre, a central business district, a financial centre, an 18-hole golf course, a polo and country club, an international convention centre, sports and leisure facilities as well as a safari Park.