RSK looks to capitalise on the environmental consultancy market across Africa

UK-based environmental consultancy RSK is looking to become a key significant global player, to which end it is not only ramping up investment activity in Europe, but is also prioritising the African market as a potential region of growth. This is according to the firm’s CEO Alan Ryder.

Established in 1989, RSK is among the largest environmental consultancies in Europe, with additional operation across Africa and the Middle East. The firm’s objective is to support clients across the globe with maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness in their growth, while simultaneously ensuring environmental sustainability in their operations.

To this end, the firm assists clients with services such as socio-economic impact assessments, health and safety considerations, due diligence & compliance. Practical aspects of the firm’s services include landscape design, surveys, building sciences and a number of other similar areas.

Having developed a favourable reputation, RSK has spent the last year building a strong growth strategy, which is evident through a spike in its merger & acquisition (M&A) activity. According to CEO of the firm Alan Ryder, Africa is set to become an increasingly prominent part of this growth story.

RSK first began operating in Africa in 2001, when it served clients in Angola with an environmental impact assessment for an offshore deepwater project. Since then, the firm has gradually developed strong ties with major oil and gas companies across the continent, and is now involved in a number of projects.

“We are very busy currently in East Africa – and have rapidly growing businesses in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. I love being there, the excitement of building a business in an emerging market, where we can do good things and make a difference. It is very satisfying,” says Ryder.

Africa is rich in natural resources, which has made the oil and gas trade central to economic development in the region. In recent years, a number of countries in the region have been engaged in developing their infrastructure, for which they have been increasingly turning towards sustainable models.

As a result, RSK has a substantial market to tap into if it continues to invest in the region. East Africa in particular has emerged in recent years as a centre of political stability, which has made it an attractive market for foreign investment. RSK is looking to tap into this opportunity.