AD Ports Group, the world’s leading industrial, logistics and trade support company, has entered into a partnership agreement with Africa Finance Corporation (“AFC”), a leading infrastructure solutions provider. in Africa, to bridge the infrastructure gap on the continent.

This agreement allows the two organizations to join forces to identify, finance, develop and invest in much-needed port, warehouse, maritime and logistics infrastructure projects across Africa. Both parties will bring their technical expertise as well as strong financial capabilities and networks into a range of development initiatives, with a focus on green and brown opportunities.

AFC is an all-Africa multilateral development finance institution that aims to fill infrastructure investment gaps by providing complete project cycle financing solutions as well as engineering and advice. Over the past 15 years, AFC has invested more than $10 billion in infrastructure projects in 37 countries in Africa. The AFC developed and financed Africa’s first carbon-neutral industrial park, the Nkok Special Economic Zone, making Gabon the world’s largest veneer exporter, generating $1 billion in export revenue. a year and create more than 30,000 jobs.

This approach is replicated by the Arise platform in Benin and Togo. Most recently, AFC, in a joint venture with Masdar of the United Arab Emirates and EBRD, jointly acquired Lekela Power, the continent’s largest independent renewable electricity producer, with plans to double it double generation capacity within four years. AD Ports Group has significant expertise in the construction and operation of ports, free zones, logistics and maritime hubs, and is currently active in a wide range of development projects in diverse territories such as Jordan, Egypt and Iraq.

The partnership agreement could provide vital support to ports and maritime facilities in Africa, which are often overwhelmed by growing demand for imported goods and established industrial production facilities. Export orientation requires significant investment to modernize, increase capacity and improve productivity. According to an African Union (AU) report, cargo throughput through African ports will reach 2 billion tonnes by 2040, a major challenge due to the current average length of stay – the length of time that cargo is in transit. port – is about 20 days across the continent, compared to the global average of four days.

“Some of the world’s fastest-growing economies are in Africa, necessitating the creation of a new generation of ports and maritime facilities, supported by smart technology and enhanced freight infrastructure. We see a key opportunity to support African nations in their efforts to develop advanced trade hubs that can manage the rising volume of maritime commerce and deliver excellent connectivity. Working with AFC, we will look to prioritize projects that can make a lasting impact on the economies and communities of their respective nations, in line with the direction of our wise leadership to support progressive development.”

  Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group.

“We are pleased to sign this collaboration agreement with AD Ports Group today, demonstrating the UAE’s ongoing enthusiasm to invest and deploy expertise in Africa. Combining AFC’s specialist expertise and outstanding investment track record with AD Ports Group’s technical proficiency, I am confident that our collaboration will yield the development of some of the most advanced integrated ports and logistics platforms in Africa and the world at large. We look forward to a continued partnership as we work together to unleash Africa’s economic potential and transform lives on the continent.”

                                           Samaila Zubairu, President & Chief Executive Officer of AFC.