Kenyan construction company Gabeire A Group (GAG) has landed a major international contract to build a 250-kilometer toll road in Madagascar. The multibillion-dollar project, valued at Ksh131 billion (USD 1 billion), will connect the capital city Antananarivo to the port city of Toamasina. It is being financed by the World Bank.
The official launch ceremony for the project took place recently, with Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano highlighting the significance of this achievement for Kenya’s labor force and infrastructure sector.
“Kenya’s labour force stands as the cornerstone of our nation, recognized globally for its excellence. It is a source of immense pride and serves as the bedrock of our economy. This achievement underscores Kenya’s expertise and capacity in the realm of infrastructure development and investment,” CS Miano remarked during the event.
A Boost for African Trade and Investment
CS Miano emphasized that the project marks a monumental milestone not only for Kenya but for the African continent at large. She pointed out the urgent need for expanded road networks across Africa, noting that the continent currently has only 1 million kilometers of paved roads out of a potential 30 million kilometers.
“That is why I am elated today to have launched a project where a Kenyan company has been awarded a contract to construct a 250-kilometer road linking Antananarivo to Toamasina in Madagascar,” she added.
The involvement of a Kenyan firm in such a major international infrastructure project demonstrates the growing reputation of Kenyan companies in the global construction and investment sectors. CS Miano reiterated that this milestone not only showcases Kenya’s technical expertise but also strengthens the country’s position as a leader in infrastructure development in Africa.
As the construction gets underway, the project is expected to significantly enhance trade routes in Madagascar, boosting economic growth, improving connectivity, and reinforcing Kenya’s strategic influence in regional development.