Africa infrastructure focus

The recently-inked collaborative agreement will see the two organisations join forces to develop and invest in much-needed ports, warehouses, maritime and logistics infrastructure projects across Africa, focusing on brownfield and greenfield opportunities.

“Some of the world’s fastest-growing economies are in Africa, necessitating the creation a new generation of ports and maritime facilities, supported by smart technology and enhanced freight infrastructure,” commented Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and group chief executive, AD Ports Group.

“We see a key opportunity to support African nations in their efforts to develop advanced trade hubs that can manage the rising volume of maritime commerce and deliver excellent connectivity,” he added.

The agreement could provide vital support for ports and maritime facilities in Africa, which are often overstretched by growing demand for imported goods and production facilities that require significant investment to modernise and increase capacity.

According to a report from the African Union, throughput at African ports will reach 2 billion tonnes by 2040, a major challenge when the current average dwell time is around 20 days across the continent, five times the global average.

“Combining AFC’s specialist expertise and outstanding investment track record with AD Ports Group’s technical proficiency, I am confident that our collaboration will yield the development of some of the most advanced integrated ports and logistics platforms in Africa and the world at large,” said Samaila Zubairu, president & chief executive AFC.