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The Republic of Congo has awarded AD Ports Group a 30-year concession to manage and operate the New East Mole Terminal in Pointe-Noire.

AD Ports Group, which is majority owned by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ, will invest more than US$500 million over the life of the concession, with around US$220 million allocated for phase 1 which is expected to be completed over the next 30 months.

The agreement was signed on 20 June by Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and group CEO, AD Ports Group, Denis-Christel Sassou Nguesso, Minister of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships and Honore Sayi, Minister of Transport.

We have signed a 30-year extendable concession agreement to manage and operate a multipurpose terminal in Pointe Noire Port.
This represents a significant milestone in our company’s growth strategy and will stimulate trade and enhance connectivity for the Republic of the Congo. pic.twitter.com/4KZzAoJBcX

— AD Ports Group (@ADPortsGroup) June 20, 2023

The contract follows the previous Head of Terms (HoT) agreement signed between the two parties in March.

AD Ports Group has the right to extend the concession for 20 years on the same terms and conditions.

New East Mole Port handles containers, general cargo, break-bulk and other types of cargo.

“We believe that this partnership has the potential to be a game-changer for our country, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have in the years to come,” Nguesso said. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our efforts to promote economic growth and development in Brazzaville, Congo.

"Through this partnership, we will have access to AD Ports Group’s expertise and resources, which will be invaluable in developing our infrastructure and supporting our future plans. We are confident that their support will accelerate progress in critical areas such as transportation, trade and logistics.” 

Al Shamisi stated, “By expanding our operations and presence in Congo, we are not only strengthening our position in the region, but also tapping into a new market with immense potential. We anticipate boosting trade and commerce between our countries and opening new trade routes, creating new employment opportunities, and contributing to the overall development of Congo."

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, Congo’s exports to the UAE totalled $1.75 billion in 2021, and chiefly comprised refined copper (US$1.6 billion) and gold (US$70.6 million). 

This is the second 30-year concession that AD Ports Group has picked up in Africa this year. In March, it signed an agreement with Egypt's Red Sea Ports Authority to develop and operate a multipurpose terminal at Safaga Port, with a commitment to invest up to US$200 million in superstructure and equipment.

Agreements were also inked for the development of two cement terminals in Al Arish Port and West Port Said Port. A further memorandum of understanding was signed for potential collaboration on the development of the East Port Said multi-purpose terminal and three HoT agreements for the management of cruise terminals in Egypt.

We have signed a concession agreement to develop and operate a multi-purpose port in Safaga in Egypt, in addition to signing two 15-year agreements, an MoU and three HoTs concerning ports located in Egypt’s Red Sea region & the Mediterranean Sea. https://t.co/4PZjTZ0v3K pic.twitter.com/lRC4l2Ce4Z

— AD Ports Group (@ADPortsGroup) March 18, 2023

AD Ports Group is also working on gaining a foothold in Angola.

In January, the group entered into a framework agreement with Angola’s Ministry of Transport to collaborate on the development of maritime services and infrastructure across the country, including the Caio Deepwater Terminal at Cabinda Port in the oil-rich northwest region. 

AD Ports Group also entered into a HoT agreement to form a joint venture with state-owned logistics and transportation company Unicargas, which manages the multipurpose terminal at the Port of Luanda, Angola’s busiest port.

The new joint venture, majority owned by AD Ports Group, will work to modernise, manage and operate the terminal and the logistics business of Unicargas. 

Photo: Concession signing (Supplied by AD Ports Group)