PORTEO Foundation: Building a Better Future for All
The PORTEO Foundation embodies the group’s social commitment by leveraging its expertise and resources to support sustainable development, education, and the well-being of local communities.
Hassan Dakhlallah
Chairman and CEO of PORTEO Group
When Building Goes Hand in Hand with Social Impact
Far from being limited to physical infrastructure, the construction sector can be a true engine for social transformation.
“I’ve always believed that building roads and buildings is not enough. We must also build lives and create opportunities for the most vulnerable,” says Hassan Dakhlallah, Chairman and CEO of PORTEO.
In West Africa, where the need for basic infrastructure remains a priority, some companies go beyond their economic mission by investing in high-impact social initiatives. This is the case for PORTEO, a flagship company in the sector, which has structured its philanthropic commitment through the PORTEO Foundation.
Its ambition: to actively contribute to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and community development — four essential pillars for the continent’s sustainable emergence.
Education: Building Schools, Opening Horizons
Access to education is a major challenge in West Africa, where many regions still suffer from a severe lack of school infrastructure. To address this, the PORTEO Foundation funds and constructs schools and school canteens, thus ensuring a safe learning environment that fosters student success.
“We firmly believe that every child deserves access to quality education. Building schools is building the future,” explains Emmanuel Kalou, President of the PORTEO Foundation.
To date, more than 20 classrooms have been built or renovated in rural areas, benefiting over 3,500 students. The PORTEO Foundation has also distributed more than 5,000 school kits to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These initiatives, alongside government and NGO efforts, significantly improve enrollment rates.
Health is another key focus of the PORTEO Foundation’s work. In Côte d’Ivoire, as in many other countries in the region, access to healthcare remains limited, especially for rural populations and vulnerable individuals. Aware of this challenge, the foundation funds the construction and rehabilitation of health centers, as well as the purchase of medical equipment.
“We have a social responsibility that goes beyond our construction projects. It is essential to support local healthcare facilities to ensure access to care for all,” emphasizes a PORTEO representative.
As an example, the foundation has supported the care of over 200 patients suffering from serious conditions, including financing surgical procedures and expensive medical treatments. It has also equipped several hospitals with essential medical supplies, thus strengthening the ability of these facilities to respond to health emergencies.
Empowering Communities & Economic Development: Stimulating Local Growth
Economic development and community empowerment are integral parts of the PORTEO Foundation’s mission. The goal is to provide local populations with the means to develop sustainably by offering the resources and training necessary for their economic independence.
The foundation supports local cooperatives, helps in the creation of micro-enterprises, and funds professional training programs to enable young people and women to acquire new skills and generate their own income.
“Building infrastructure is essential, but helping populations to structure themselves economically is just as important,” says Emmanuel Kalou, President of the PORTEO Foundation.
One of the flagship projects is the support program for female entrepreneurs in the construction, energy, and agriculture sectors, which has already helped over 500 beneficiaries gain access to funding and training.
Environment & Sustainable Development: Building Without Destroying
Aware of the environmental impact of the construction sector, the PORTEO Foundation is implementing initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Key actions include:
- Reforestation and preservation of green spaces on construction sites.
- Use of eco-friendly and recycled construction materials.
- Raising awareness among communities and construction industry stakeholders about environmental issues.
The Green Cities project, led by the foundation, has already resulted in the planting of over 10,000 trees and the implementation of sustainable waste management solutions on several construction sites in Côte d’Ivoire.
“We have an environmental responsibility, and we must do everything in our power to minimize our impact and build sustainably,” emphasizes Emmanuel Kalou.
These initiatives also include distributing food kits to vulnerable populations, funding women’s empowerment projects, and building basic infrastructure such as latrines and access points to drinking water.
One flagship project is the Kirifi project, where the foundation set up a self-sufficient school canteen supplied by a local women’s cooperative. This innovative model not only provides daily meals for children but also ensures an income for the women involved in the project.
“The impact of these initiatives is measured in terms of dignity and improved living conditions. Every action counts,” says a beneficiary.
An Inspiring Model for African Construction
The example of the PORTEO Foundation highlights an increasingly prominent trend in West Africa: a construction sector that is engaged and aware of its social role. Other companies in the sector, such as SOROUBAT in Côte d’Ivoire, EBOMAF in Burkina Faso, and EIFFAGE Senegal, have also implemented corporate social responsibility programs aimed at improving the living conditions of local populations.
While infrastructure remains a cornerstone of economic development in West Africa, its impact goes beyond economic growth. By integrating a social approach into each project, companies like PORTEO demonstrate that the construction sector can be a driver of improved living conditions, fostering inclusion and resilience within local communities.
“The true success of a company is measured by its impact on society,” reminds a sustainable development expert.
A Lasting Commitment to Serving Communities
Through its Foundation, PORTEO proves that the construction sector can be much more than just an economic engine: it can be a catalyst for social transformation. By investing in education, healthcare, and community development, the company embraces a long-term vision that goes beyond the mere construction of infrastructure.
PORTEO doesn’t just build roads, it opens pathways to a better future. While its infrastructure connects cities and boosts the economy, its Foundation builds human and social bridges, providing concrete solutions to the most vulnerable populations.
This commitment raises the question of the future of the sector in West Africa: What if all companies adopted this approach, combining performance and social responsibility? One thing is certain, the PORTEO Foundation is leading the way.
