Alvarez & Marsal has opened its first office in Africa in Cape Town, marking an expansion into a region drawing increased attention from global investors.

The advisory firm is targeting opportunities in infrastructure, mining, and energy as demand rises for projects linked to the energy transition and industrial growth.

The move comes as investors reassess Africa’s long-term investment outlook, driven in part by demand for critical minerals used in defence, electronics, and clean energy supply chains.

Governments and companies are seeking new sources of supply as competition intensifies between major economies.

At the same time, global energy market swings and geopolitical tensions have highlighted weaknesses in infrastructure across parts of the continent.

These conditions are pushing more capital toward projects that require structuring, financing, and execution support.

*Alvarez & Marsal expands in Africa as global investors target growth*

Africa investment focus grows

Investor interest in Africa has widened beyond mining to include transport, energy, and industrial development.

Rapid urban growth and infrastructure gaps continue to shape where capital is deployed, particularly in emerging economies.

Despite stronger interest, funding gaps and project delays remain a concern.

Advisors say many proposals require support to become bankable and attract long-term investment from global institutions.

Cape Town hub and hiring plans

A&M said its Africa team will work across infrastructure, energy, mining, and industrial sectors, focusing on project structuring and investment support.

The firm said it aims to help clients prepare projects that can attract and deploy capital more effectively.

The Cape Town office opened this week with about 20 staff and is expected to expand to more than 100 within three years, according to the firm’s leadership.

The hiring reflects growing demand for advisory services tied to large-scale development projects.

*A&M Africa focuses on infrastructure and energy support*

Execution focus over privatisation

The firm said it is drawing on experience from markets such as Brazil, where it supported changes in the power sector, to address delivery challenges in Africa.

The focus, it said, is on improving efficiency and execution rather than broad policy shifts.

“We are not pushing the flag of let’s privatise everything,” said Marcos Ganut, global head of infrastructure and capital projects.

“What we’re pushing is efficiency and execution.” Globally, A&M’s infrastructure practice includes more than 1,000 professionals within a 15,000-person firm.