Construction & Real Estate
From The Report: Cote d'Ivoire 2017
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As Côte d’Ivoire continues to recover from the instability of the previous decade, construction remains a key driver of growth, with a swath of new projects either launched or planned in various sectors, including several that form part of the government’s main infrastructure programmes. There have been some bottlenecks, however, particularly in terms of project delivery. The outlook for the short and medium term is encouraging, with the government stressing capital spending and the economy posting strong figures. As is the case throughout the region, real estate demand in Côte d’Ivoire is generally high, surpassing existing offerings in most, if not all, segments. Thus, public and private initiatives to expand real estate offerings are likely to continue. Progress on the government’s large-scale social housing programme has been slow, but action on home loans may help it pick up speed. The development of the new industrial areas will also provide space for firms to set up shop. This chapter contains interviews with Stefan Heeb, Former CEO Côte d’Ivoire-Guinea, LafargeHolcim; and Kinapara Coulibaly, Director-General, National Office for Technical and Development Studies.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Full speed ahead: A range of investments are set to sustain high sector activity
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As Côte d’Ivoire continues to recover from the instability of the previous decade, construction remains a key driver of growth, with a swath of new projects either launched or planned in various sectors, including several that form part of the government’s main infrastructure programmes. There have been some bottlenecks, however, particularly in terms of project delivery. As availability of materials has constricted in the face of growing demand, many real estate developers are setting up or…

Analysis

More is better: Cement production capacity is being boosted to meet demand
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The cement industry experienced a supply shortage in early 2015, as local producers struggled to meet a high demand in cement fuelled by an increasing number of public works and private construction projects. To stabilise the situation, the government allowed local producers to import cement. While this was successful in balancing prices, many sub-par imports made their way into the country. The government has since taken measures to address this challenge. The private sector, for its part, is invested…

Interview

Building up demand: Stefan Heeb, Former CEO Côte d’Ivoire-Guinea, LafargeHolcim, on the growing need for structural materials
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Interview: Stefan Heeb What is the current demand for cement in Côte d’Ivoire and how are producers responding? STEFAN HEEB: Cement producers are currently in a favourable position in Côte d’Ivoire. The myriad infrastructure projects planned by the government will become a driving force behind further direct and indirect private investment in the country. Cement consumption in Côte d’Ivoire stands at 150 kg per capita, per year – a rate that is enough to arouse interest in the industry…

Overview

Home sweet home: New players spur competition as government works to facilitate access to home loans
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As is the case throughout the region, real estate demand in Côte d’Ivoire is generally high, surpassing existing offerings in most, if not all, segments, from housing to industrial, office space and retail. The situation is particularly acute in the housing sector, with a national housing deficit of 400,000-600,000 units. The government has enacted a large-scale social housing programme, but progress has been slow. Home ownership remains an aspiration for many Ivorians who cannot afford current…

Overview

Help on the way: A move to narrow the housing gap involves financing and regulatory reforms
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With demand for housing in Côte d’Ivoire continuing to outpace supply, the government has more than doubled its social housing target and unveiled a number of reforms to the sector’s regulatory framework. While a lack of available affordable units is the most immediate concern, policymakers are hoping to pave the way for a sustained increase in private sector residential developments by addressing financing, streamlining the construction permit process and clarifying land rights. Work In Progress Côte…

Interview

Paving new projects: Kinapara Coulibaly, Director-General, National Office for Technical and Development Studies (BNETD), on major projects under way
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Interview:Kinapara Coulibaly What are some of the main infrastructure projects on the horizon for Côte d’Ivoire? KINAPARA COULIBALY: In 2016 the government approved the urban master plan for greater Abidjan, which includes several infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Banko Bay Bridge – also known as the fourth bridge – which will ease traffic in the north of the city by providing a second route to Yopougon. The construction of the Solibra interchange, and the widening…

Analysis

Meeting demand: A growing population has led to a housing crunch across the continent, but countries are responding with diverse solutions
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Africa is a diverse continent, with roughly 1bn people, 54 countries and thousands of languages. Additionally, many of its economies are facing similar challenges. One of the most common obstacles African markets face is a shortage of affordable housing. Kenya has a housing gap of 2m homes, for example, and in Nigeria that figure is as high as 17m units. This is hardly unique to the continent, but with high GDP expansion, limited job creation, strong population growth and rapid urbanization, its…