Abu Dhabi Ports Group has officially commenced operations at the Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal in Angola, marking a significant milestone in the company's expansion strategy across sub-Saharan Africa.
It follows a 20-year concession agreement signed with the Luanda Port Authority in April 2024, which involves an initial investment of approximately $250 million, aimed at modernising the terminal and establishing a logistics business in partnership with local firms Unicargas and Multiparques.
The Port of Luanda is crucial to Angola's economy, handling around 76% of the country's container and general cargo traffic, while also providing vital maritime access to landlocked neighbours such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.
Under this new joint venture, AD Ports Group will hold an 81% stake in the terminal operations and 90% in the logistics venture, Noatum Unicargas Logistics.
Operations officially began on January 30, with trading activities already under way at Noatum Unicargas Logistics.
The logistics company is set to invest heavily in new trucks and systems, integrating fully into the global Noatum Logistics network.
This integration aims to enhance Angola's connectivity to international markets and stimulate economic growth.
Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, the regional CEO of AD Ports Group, expressed optimism about the project, stating that it positions the company to capture anticipated growth in Angola's container volumes, projected to increase by an average of 3.3% annually over the next decade.
He highlighted that this investment not only strengthened ties between Angola and the UAE but also promised job creation and economic prosperity for Angolan citizens.
Ricardo Daniel Sandão Queirós Viegas de Abreu, Angola's minister of transport, emphasised the strategic importance of this partnership, describing it as a transformative effort to modernise infrastructure and enhance access to global trade.
He said this collaboration was a critical step towards developing a high-performance multipurpose facility that can significantly boost regional trade.
In addition to the initial investment, AD Ports Group has indicated that total investment could rise to $380m over the concession period, contingent on market demand.
The planned upgrades include environmentally sustainable technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs through training and skill development initiatives.
This venture not only positions AD Ports Group as a key player in Angola's logistics landscape but also sets the stage for competition with other major operators like DP World, which has been active in the region since 2021.
