Hassan Dakhlallah

Founder & CEO of PORTEO Group, Visionary Entrepreneur & Infrastructure Leader

In the realm of African infrastructure, Hassan Dakhlallah has carved a path defined by intention, resilience, and strategic execution. Rather than focusing on scale alone, his work emphasizes meaningful growth, with each project grounded in the realities of the communities it serves. As an entrepreneur and construction and urban development specialist, he has led transformative projects that foster economic activity and social inclusion across West and Central Africa.

Establishing a Foundation for Regional Growth

The establishment of NSE.CI in 2012 marked the beginning of Dakhlallah’s structured involvement in infrastructure. Launched in Côte d’Ivoire during a rebuilding period, the company responded to the country’s demand for focused urban development. NSE.CI concentrated on the road and civil works—areas where effective execution could make an immediate difference. With strong leadership and execution, the company built a solid reputation, setting the stage for broader ambitions.

By 2020, NSE.CI transitioned into PORTEO Group. This change was more than a rebrand—it represented the start of a multi-country operation with expanded capabilities. As CEO, Dakhlallah guided the group into new markets, positioning it as a reliable partner for infrastructure development in Bénin, Togo, Senegal, and Gabon, alongside its base in Côte d’Ivoire. PORTEO quickly grew into one of the region’s most active construction entities.

Delivering Measurable Infrastructure Results

Under Dakhlallah’s direction, PORTEO has achieved notable results. The group has completed over 2,000 kilometers of roads and highways throughout the region. These projects have improved transportation networks, opened new economic corridors, and made daily mobility easier for citizens. The work consistently focuses on durability and utility from bridges to major urban roads.

The company’s influence is also evident in its employment strategy. With a workforce exceeding 4,000 people, PORTEO offers jobs directly and through subcontracting, contributing to local economies at multiple levels. The group’s financial progress has matched its physical footprint—reporting 285 billion CFA francs in revenue in 2023, which equals approximately €436 million.

Recognition on the Continental Stage

The company’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Jeune Afrique ranked PORTEO among the Top 500 African companies. That same year, PORTEO received a key award at the International Africa Development Forum (FIAD) in Casablanca. These recognitions reflect not only the scale of the group’s work but also its contribution to South-South collaboration and regional progress.

Alongside core infrastructure efforts, PORTEO has diversified into new areas. The company has entered sectors such as data center infrastructure, hospitality, and agribusiness—demonstrating a commitment to long-term sustainability and the broader needs of a growing continent.

Approach to Leadership and Project Vision

Hassan Dakhlallah of Porteo’s leadership is characterized by consistency and clear purpose. As an urban development expert, he applies a comprehensive outlook to each initiative, aiming for infrastructure that unlocks broader value. His philosophy is direct: infrastructure must create pathways to opportunity, whether through transportation, trade, education, or job creation.

This mindset informs how PORTEO operates. The group incorporates training programs to support local talent development and partners with small businesses to ensure a broader economic impact. Through such practices, Dakhlallah reinforces a vision of inclusive growth.

Efficiency and reliability remain central to project delivery. PORTEO maintains an extensive equipment fleet and adopts engineering practices that support quality construction and timely completion. Environmental considerations are also integrated, with efforts to reduce negative impact through material selection and site planning.

Engaging with Social Responsibility

In addition to business outcomes, Dakhlallah prioritizes community investment. Through the PORTEO Foundation, he has established social programs that reflect long-term thinking. One such initiative involves building school canteens that are designed to be self-sustaining. These canteens address multiple challenges—supporting education, improving child nutrition, and involving women in their management.

These efforts extend the group’s purpose beyond construction, reflecting a belief that enterprise should support development in all forms. Dakhlallah ensures that social goals are embedded within the structure of his organization rather than treated as secondary concerns.

Ongoing Role in Africa’s Development Narrative

Hassan Dakhlallah’s trajectory illustrates how business leadership can support public needs without compromising operational standards. He has shown that infrastructure when guided by thoughtful planning and local engagement, can be a driver for both growth and stability. His methods combine economic discipline with a community-aware approach.

Through his work at PORTEO, Dakhlallah remains involved in shaping the future of infrastructure across Africa. He continues to seek ways to align engineering with impact, scale with responsibility, and innovation with local relevance. His example provides a model for others working in development-focused industries, proving that meaningful infrastructure is built with tools, vision, and trust.

As he leads PORTEO into the future, Dakhlallah continues to focus on projects that contribute to stronger, more connected communities, making infrastructure a foundation for transit and transformation.

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