The return of the African megaproject

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

Ethiopia completed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa's largest hydropower plant, in 2025.

Aliko Dangote started production at a $20bn oil refinery near Lagos, Nigeria, in 2024.

The Lobito Corridor, backed by the US and EU, is a multi-billion-dollar rail, port and road system linking Angola's Atlantic coast to Congo's copper belt and Zambia.

West African leaders announced plans in July 2026 for a $25bn gas pipeline from Nigeria to Morocco, potentially connecting to Europe's gas supply.