Swiss giant SGS, a world leader in inspection, testing, and certification, and the Mauritanian Consulting Group (MCG) have secured a major contract for supervising roadworks in Madagascar. This project involves the rehabilitation of 111.8 km of road between Beloha and Ambovombe, two strategic localities in the south of the island. This collaboration marks a significant step in the development of Malagasy infrastructure.
Strategic collaboration for an ambitious project
The project aims to strengthen road infrastructure in a region facing multiple logistical challenges. Through their respective subsidiaries in Madagascar and Senegal, SGS and MCG will be responsible for managing, controlling, and supervising the work assigned to China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC). The budget allocated to this mission is 1.56 million USD, with an execution period set at 25 months.
Geneva-based SGS enjoys recognized global expertise, with services covering various sectors, including infrastructure, the environment, and agribusiness. MCG, on the other hand, stands out for its growing presence in engineering in sub-Saharan Africa. Founded by Abderahmane Mohamed Saleh, this Mauritanian company operates in diverse fields, including water, sanitation, agriculture, and now transport and energy infrastructure.
International competition
The selection process was highly competitive. Among the candidate companies were the Spanish group Typsa, the Cameroonian duo INTEGC-Global Engineering Consulting, the Ugandan consortium consisting of KBB Associates, CAS Consulting, and Tech Consult, and the French Apave associated with the Italian Hydroarch. Despite this strong competition, SGS and MCG demonstrated their expertise and ability to meet the project’s requirements.
Project context and objectives
The renovation of the Beloha-Ambovombe road section is part of the broader « Connect Madagascar for Inclusive Growth ». program. Financed by the World Bank to the tune of 400 million USD, this program aims to improve connectivity between rural and urban areas. The project thus aims to strengthen the resilience of infrastructure to climatic hazards and optimize the management of main roads.
The Beloha-Ambovombe road corridor constitutes lot 2 of the rehabilitation of the secondary national road 10. The work, already awarded to CRCC for an amount of 59.7 million USD, is part of the Malagasy government’s priorities to stimulate economic and social development in the south of the island.
Expected benefits for Madagascar
The rehabilitation of this road is of paramount importance to local communities. Isolated rural areas will benefit from easier access to social services, markets, and economic opportunities. Furthermore, improved connectivity should enhance the resilience of infrastructure to the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions, frequent in this region.
This project aligns with the Malagasy President’s ambitions to promote inclusive growth through investments in strategic infrastructure. The primary goal is to reduce territorial inequalities by strengthening links between remote areas and development hubs.
Decisive step for the involved companies
For SGS, this contract represents an opportunity to consolidate its presence in Africa while demonstrating its expertise in large-scale projects. Meanwhile, MCG continues its expansion beyond Mauritanian borders, confirming its position as a key player in engineering in sub-Saharan Africa.
This collaboration also highlights the potential of partnerships between international and regional actors to address the complex needs of developing countries. By partnering, SGS and MCG bring complementary skills for optimal project management.
The success of this project could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the continent. Investments in infrastructure, particularly roads, play a crucial role in the economic and social development of African countries. They facilitate trade, stimulate local economic activities, and improve the quality of life for the population.
