Building strength

The largest non-oil company in Equatorial Guinea is also part of one of the biggest engineering and construction companies in North Africa. Founded in Morocco in 1962, Somagec is now firmly established across the Maghreb region as a leading engineering contractor. The company first entered Equatorial Guinea in 2005 and since then it has been responsible for building some of the most important engineering projects in the country.

“During the past few years, the country has been undergoing a revolution in the infrastructure sector. And what is most remarkable is that it is happening all over the country.” “Our philosophy in Somagec is to always work for the future.” “any time we go into a new region, we build a school and a clinic for local people.” Jean Charles Hayoz, Managing Director of Somagec Guinea Ecuatorial

Somagec Guinea Ecuatorial specializes in marine construction and civil engineering developments. It has restored and transformed the seaports at Malabo, Corisco, Bata, Annobon and Cogo, as well as constructing airports, roads, and social projects nationwide. “We are living in a new era,” says Jean Charles Hayoz, Managing Director of Somagec GE. “During the past few years, the country has been undergoing a revolution in the infrastructure sector. And what is most remarkable is that it is happening all over the country, not only in the capital. Our philosophy in Somagec is to always work for the future.”

Estimates suggest Somagec GE has invested close to $400 million in Equatorial Guinea since its arrival seven years ago and it has no plans to leave. Having constructed more than 80% of the country’s ports, it is increasingly becoming involved in enhancing the nation’s tourism infrastructure.

The company is behind various new tourism and leisure-based projects in Equatorial Guinea, such as the construction of a three-mile maritime boulevard in Malabo. It has also built a new port terminal and seaside boulevard in the city of Kogo.

In addition, the government has made the development of tourism in Corisco one of its targets and Somagec GE has boosted the island’s infrastructure with a modern international airport and a new hotel.

With a workforce of 5,000 employees, including more than 3,600 Equatoguineans, Somagec GE is the country’s largest private employer. It is committed to not only making a difference physically in Equatorial Guinea, but also socially, by building up local skill sets and talent.

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“We have internal training programs that teach IT by means of small courses,” says Mr. Hayoz. “Somagec’s employees are well-paid and we have a private social security scheme that reimburses our employees 100% in case of hospitalization or medical expenses incurred. We even have insurance that covers hospitalization in Cameroon if need be. Furthermore, any time we go into a new region, we build a school and a clinic for local people.”

The company is proud to be one of the major players in the economic dynamism currently gaining momentum in North Africa, and to be contributing to the construction of a modern Equatorial Guinea by supporting its growth and human capital.