Côte d’Ivoire: Senegalese Papa Amadou Sarr Takes the Helm at Porteo, Specialized in Construction and Infrastructure

Senegalese former minister, Papa Amadou Sarr, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Porteo, a leading construction and infrastructure group.

An experienced international executive, Sarr previously worked at the UNDP, the OECD Development Centre in Paris (2008–2013), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Since 2022, he served as Executive Director in charge of Mobilization, Partnerships, and Communication at the French Development Agency (AFD). After three years at AFD, he is now joining the private sector with the ambition to leverage his experience in a more hands-on capacity.

"AFD operates in 53 African countries and is a pioneer in financing basic infrastructure. Joining Porteo is a new challenge for me: to continue contributing to Africa’s economic and social development, but this time at the heart of action," he told Fraternité Matin. He added, “For more than 20 years, I have been committed to this mission. With its expertise in infrastructure, urban planning, industry, digital solutions, and services, the group provides the opportunity to have a direct and tangible impact on people’s lives.”

Founded in 2012 in Côte d’Ivoire by Ivorian Lebanese businessman Hassan Dakhlallah, Porteo has become a major player in construction and infrastructure across West and Central Africa. Operating in Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Senegal, and Gabon, the group is active in road construction, civil engineering, urban planning, and materials production. It employs over 12,000 people and reported revenues of CFAF 450 billion (USD 810 million) in 2024, with ambitions for further diversification and expansion.

At AFD, Papa Amadou Sarr will be succeeded by Franco-Senegalese Adama Mariko, currently Secretary-General of Finance en Commun and an ENA graduate. Mariko previously served as Deputy Director in charge of Mobilization, Partnerships, and Communication.