AD Ports Group has initiated a long-term partnership with Angolan companies Unicargas and Multiparques to manage and develop a major multipurpose terminal and an associated logistics business at the Port of Luanda, Angola’s largest port.
Under a 20-year concession agreement signed in April 2024 with the Luanda Port Authority, AD Ports Group holds an 81% stake in the terminal venture and a 90% stake in the logistics venture. The group has committed to investing approximately $250 million by 2026 to modernize the terminal and develop Noatum Unicargas Logistics for local, regional, and international clients. Depending on demand, this investment could increase to $380 million over the life of the concession, which has the potential to be extended by an additional 10 years.
Port of Luanda
The Port of Luanda is a critical hub for Angola’s trade, handling about 76% of the country’s container and general cargo volumes. It also provides maritime access to landlocked neighboring countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. The planned upgrades aim to transform the terminal into a state-of-the-art facility capable of handling general cargo, containers, and roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) operations.
This initiative aligns with AD Ports Group’s strategy to expand its presence in sub-Saharan Africa and strengthen economic ties between Angola and the United Arab Emirates. Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, emphasized that the investment positions the group to capitalize on the projected 3.3% annual growth in Angola’s container volumes over the next decade, bringing jobs and economic prosperity to the citizens of Angola.
In addition to developments at the Port of Luanda, Angola is enhancing its transportation infrastructure through projects like the Lobito Atlantic Railway. This railway connects the Atlantic port of Lobito to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has a proposed link to Zambia, facilitating regional trade and access to international markets. These combined efforts are set to significantly improve Angola’s logistics capabilities, fostering economic growth and regional integration.