Guinea Poised for Coworking Expansion

AfricaWorks, a leading co-working space operator, is eyeing expansion into Conakry, Guinea’s capital, citing growing multinational interest and economic momentum.

Founder Grégorie Schwebig noted that while Guinea has historically received less attention than other West African markets, it’s now experiencing significant growth across multiple sectors. ‘A lot of things are happening on the ground,’ he said in a recent interview. ‘It’s a very, very hot market.’

The country’s economy is projected to expand by 9.3% in 2026 and 9.8% in 2027, driven by several factors:

• The $23 billion Simandou iron ore project, which began operations last year and represents the world’s largest untapped reserve of high-grade iron ore.
• Guinea’s established position as a major bauxite producer (used for aluminium)
• Recent gold discoveries near the Mali border
• Ongoing offshore oil and gas exploration

This industrial growth is creating ripple effects across other sectors. Schwebig pointed to construction, real estate, and hospitality—with international brands like Radisson setting up shop in Conakry—as well as significant infrastructure projects underway by the government.

‘Demand for our spaces tends to be stronger in less developed markets,’ Schwebig explained. ‘The more frontier the market, the more there is a need for clients to be in a safe, secured space with international standards.’

While acknowledging that Guinea presents unique operational challenges—‘it has its own dynamics and intricacies’—Schwebig expressed optimism about the country’s long-term potential as a co-working destination.