Abu Dhabi Ports Group Invests $251 Million in Luanda Port Expansion, Positioning Angola as a Key Hub for Regional Trade
In recent years, Abu Dhabi Ports Group has made significant strides in expanding its presence in Africa. The group recently finalized several agreements with Unicargas and Multiparks, resulting in the signing of a 20-year concession agreement with the Luanda Ports Authority to revamp and manage the Luanda Multi-Purpose Terminal in Angola.
As part of these agreements, Abu Dhabi Ports Group acquired an 81% stake in a joint venture to operate the terminal and a 90% stake in another joint venture to offer services to the terminal and the broader Angolan logistics market. With this investment, Abu Dhabi Ports Group is committed to transforming Luanda into a modern multi-purpose facility that will significantly enhance logistical capabilities and drive economic growth in the region.
To achieve this goal, Abu Dhabi Ports Group will invest US$251 million over the next three years (2024-2026), with potential for an increase up to US$379 million based on market demand. This investment will be used to modernize the terminal and establish a logistics center that will play a critical role in providing transshipment services in Central West Africa.
The Luanda Port serves as the main maritime gateway for Angola, handling over 76% of containers and general cargo in the country. Its strategic location positions it well to accommodate anticipated growth in container volumes, forecasted at an average annual rate of 3.3% over the next decade. The collaboration between Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Angolan stakeholders aims to position Luanda as a key hub for regional trade and development.
Under this concession agreement, Abu Dhabi Ports Group will revamp the current multi-purpose terminal into a container and vehicle handling terminal, expand concession areas, and upgrade infrastructure. The redevelopment is set to be completed by Q3 2026, significantly increasing container and vehicle handling capacities while ensuring operational efficiency across all operations at Luanda port. In addition, a joint venture with Unicargas will provide integrated logistics and shipping services that leverage global experience and local capabilities to support customers across Angola and neighboring countries.
Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s commitment to supporting maritime operations in Africa goes beyond their partnership with Angola’s stakeholders; they are also deploying assets like accommodation ships for offshore crews and supply ships for offshore platforms. Through strategic partnerships and investments like these, Abu Dhabi Ports Group aims to drive operational efficiency while contributing significantly to economic development across Africa.
In conclusion, Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s acquisition of an 81% stake in a joint venture with Unicargas represents their commitment towards investing $251 million over three years (2024-2026) towards revamping Luanda Multi-Purpose Terminal into a modern container handling terminal that will significantly enhance logistical capabilities while driving economic growth in Central West Africa region.
