About Hassan Dakhlallah of PORTEO
Hassan Dakhlallah is a visionary entrepreneur and a leading figure in African infrastructure development. He is an accomplished construction professional and an economic and urban development specialist known for his innovative approach to driving economic growth through infrastructure. Dakhlallah has been an instrumental force in transforming Africa’s infrastructure landscape, combining business acumen with a passion for urban progress to deliver projects that spur development and improve communities.
As the Founder and CEO of PORTEO Group, Dakhlallah leads a prominent infrastructure conglomerate active in Côte d’Ivoire, Bénin, Togo, Senegal, and Gabon. Under his leadership, PORTEO evolved from a local construction venture into a regional powerhouse that is reshaping transportation and urban infrastructure across West and Central Africa. PORTEO Group originated as NSE.CI (Nicolas Srouji Establishment Côte d’Ivoire) in 2012, a company Dakhlallah launched to meet the urgent need for specialized infrastructure and urban development expertise in post-crisis Côte d’Ivoire. This early venture quickly gained traction by tackling critical road and civil works projects, laying the foundation for what would become the PORTEO Group. In 2020, Dakhlallah expanded and rebranded NSE.CI into PORTEO, marking its transformation into a multinational enterprise. Today, PORTEO encompasses multiple subsidiaries and projects and stands as one of the fastest-growing players in the region’s construction industry.
Impact and Achievements
Hassan Dakhlallah’s impact is reflected in the impressive growth and accomplishments of PORTEO Group. Over a span of just a decade, he has guided the company to achieve significant milestones in infrastructure development:
- Regional Expansion: Established operations in five countries, extending PORTEO’s footprint from its base in Côte d’Ivoire to Bénin, Togo, Senegal, and Gabon. This expansion has positioned PORTEO as a pan-African leader in construction and public works.
- Infrastructure Built: Delivered over 2,000 kilometers of new roads and highways across West Africa, dramatically improving connectivity and mobility in the region. These projects include highways, bridges, and urban development initiatives that have opened up economic corridors and linked communities.
- Economic Contribution: Created thousands of jobs through direct employment and subcontracting, growing the company to a workforce of more than 4,000 employees. Under Dakhlallah’s tenure, PORTEO’s annual revenues have climbed into the hundreds of millions of dollars, with the firm reporting about 285 billion CFA francs (approximately €436 million) in 2023.
- Industry Recognition: Earned recognition as one of Africa’s top companies in 2024, PORTEO was ranked among the Top 500 African companies by Jeune Afrique. The same year, the company was honored at the International Africa Development Forum (FIAD 2024) in Casablanca, where it received a prestigious award for its role in South-South cooperation and pan-African development.
- Diversification: Pursued innovative projects beyond traditional construction, such as partnering to develop high-tech infrastructure like data centers and investing in sectors like hospitality and agribusiness.
Vision and Leadership
Dakhlallah’s leadership philosophy centers on using infrastructure as a catalyst for sustainable economic and social progress. As an urban development specialist, he approaches each project with a holistic vision, ensuring that roads, bridges, and buildings are not just structures but gateways to opportunity.
“Each road, each bridge, each building must open economic perspectives,” he affirms, reflecting his belief that infrastructure development should directly benefit local communities.
In line with this vision, Hassan Dakhlallah champions capacity-building and innovation in every aspect of his work. He invests in local talent by fostering training programs and partnerships that develop skilled workforces in the countries where PORTEO operates. His company actively integrates local small businesses into its supply chain, boosting local economies and encouraging entrepreneurship. Dakhlallah also emphasizes modern, efficient construction practices, from deploying advanced engineering technologies to maintaining a large fleet of in-house machinery to ensure high-quality results and timely project delivery. This forward-thinking approach includes a commitment to sustainability, such as using eco-friendly materials and minimizing environmental impact during construction.
Beyond his business endeavors, Dakhlallah demonstrates a strong sense of social responsibility. He established the PORTEO Foundation to drive philanthropic initiatives, exemplified by programs like building self-sustaining school canteens that support education, nutrition, and women’s empowerment in local communities. Such initiatives underscore his conviction that corporate success and community well-being must go hand in hand.
Hassan Dakhlallah’s inspiring leadership and groundbreaking work have made him a figurehead in African development. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential entrepreneurs of his generation in Africa, credited with proving that it is possible to align economic growth with social impact and sustainable practices. Through his vision and commitment, the PORTEO Group is not only building infrastructure but also helping build a more connected, prosperous future for Africa.
Hassan Dakhlallah’s biography is a story of entrepreneurial drive, innovative thinking, and impactful leadership. His journey from launching a specialized local firm to leading a multinational infrastructure conglomerate highlights a dedication to excellence and a profound impact on economic development. Dakhlallah remains a passionate advocate for Africa’s progress, continually leveraging his expertise to inspire growth, uplift communities, and transform the urban landscape across the continent.
