Zutari, one of Africa’s leading engineering and infrastructure consultancies, has announced plans to expand its operations across the continent, spearheaded by newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Tlhabeli Christopher Ralebitso.
The move underscores a growing wave of intra-African investment and renewed optimism in regional development, as sectors like energy, transportation, and sustainable infrastructure attract record funding.
Ralebitso, a seasoned business leader with a background in finance and strategic management, said the company’s expansion will focus on key growth markets in East, West, and Southern Africa. “Our mission is to engineer solutions that empower African economies and communities,” he said during a recent press briefing. “We are positioning Zutari as a continental force in innovation, sustainability, and local capacity building.”
Industry analysts note that Zutari’s expansion comes at a time when African infrastructure demand is rising sharply — from green energy and smart cities to climate-resilient transport systems. The African Development Bank estimates that the continent requires over $100 billion in infrastructure investment annually to close existing gaps.
Zutari’s projects already span several major African cities, including Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Accra, and the firm has been involved in sustainable water systems, renewable energy design, and transport modernization initiatives. The company’s leadership transition under Ralebitso is expected to align with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priorities — a growing focus among African corporates and investors.
Financial institutions have also shown confidence in the continent’s growth trajectory. Absa Group, one of South Africa’s largest banks, recently announced plans to scale its East African operations, supporting trade, energy, and digital transformation projects.
According to economic experts, these developments reflect a broader trend toward African-led investment and collaboration, shifting away from dependency on foreign contractors and financiers. “What we’re seeing is the rise of African corporates who understand the local terrain and are building for the long term,” said Nomvula Khumalo, an infrastructure analyst at the Pan-African Business Council.
For Zutari, the expansion strategy will not only create new partnerships across the continent but also generate employment opportunities and promote knowledge exchange in engineering disciplines. Ralebitso emphasized that the firm aims to mentor young African engineers and foster homegrown innovation through technical training programs.
“The future of infrastructure in Africa depends on Africans designing, managing, and owning it,” Ralebitso added. “Zutari intends to be a leader in that transformation.”
With financial institutions like Absa backing regional growth and engineering firms like Zutari leading technical innovation, Africa’s infrastructure renaissance may be entering a new, self-determined era — one driven by local leadership and continental cooperation.