China responsible for 31% of infrastructure projects in East Africa – report

A Deloitte East Africa report shows that China is responsible for building 31% of all infrastructure projects in East Africa in 2014 – up from 19% in 2013.

The report was part of the Deloitte African Construction Trends Report 2014. Europe and the United States contributed 18% of construction, followed by the government at 13%.

Kenya emerged as the country with most infrastructure projects in 2014 followed by Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Rwanda respectively.

In Kenya, the transport sector dominated with a 59% share while energy and power capacity projects constituted 37%.
Mega projects in Kenya that contributed to the 59% include the Standard Gauge Railway by China Road and Bridge Corporation; Lamu Port construction; Southern Sudan, and Ethiopia Transport Corridor Project (LAPSSET); Konza Techno City; Olkaria Geothermal power projects and Lamu Coal Power plant.

In the whole continent, the Southern Africa region contributed the greatest number of projects – 46% valued at US$ 145bn followed by West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa and North Africa.