AD Ports signs 30-year concession for operation of Congo terminal

UAE’s AD Ports has signed a 30-year concession agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Congo for managing and operating the multipurpose New East Mole Terminal in Pointe-Noire. 

The agreement was signed by the managing director and CEO of AD Ports Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Minister of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public-Private Partnership Denis-Christel Sassou Nguesso and the Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation, and Merchant Navy Honore Sayi.

The agreement follows the previous head of terms agreement signed between the two parties in March 2023.

AD Ports said that it would have the exclusive right to invest in the development, operation, management and maintenance of the New East Mole Port which will handle containers, general cargo, break-bulk, and other types of cargo.

The agreement runs for 30 years from the date of signing and AD Ports will have the right to further extend it for a further period of 20 years under the same terms and conditions.

AD Ports added that it would invest more than $500m over the life of the concession, with around $220m allocated for the first phase, which is expected to be completed over the next 30 months.

Throughout the term of the agreement, the company will provide the new facility with digital services and technology solutions to enhance its efficiency including design, implementation and operation of a single-window, software development, digital architecture, business analytics, digital operations support and digital transformation.

“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. This concession agreement holds great potential and promise for both parties, especially when we consider the key role that the New East Mole Port in Pointe Noire plays as one of the best-performing ports on the central west coast of the African continent,” Al Shamisi said.

Pointe Noire is the main commercial centre of the Republic of the Congo, and its port plays a key role in the economy and development of the nation and wider region. In 2021, the UAE exported goods worth $137m to the Republic of the Congo, with the main exported products being cars for $35m.

At the same time, the Republic of the Congo exported goods worth US$1.75 billion to the UAE in 2021. The main exported products were refined copper worth $1.6bn and gold $70.6m.