The return of the African megaproject

The Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, a $25bn megaproject launched in 2012, is being revived due to the Iran war rerouting ships to Lamu.

Recent megaprojects include Ethiopia's completed Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Aliko Dangote's $20bn oil refinery near Lagos, and the multi-billion-dollar Lobito Corridor backed by the U.S. and EU.

In January 2026, Ethiopia broke ground on a new airport costing at least $12.5bn, and Nigeria is reviving plans for a $15bn West African transport corridor.

West African leaders announced a $25bn gas pipeline from Nigeria to Morocco, possibly connecting to Europe's gas supply, with construction potentially starting in 2028.

African policymakers' ambition for megaprojects has increased, but the question remains whether these will accelerate growth or lead to more white elephants.