In a significant development, the Abu Dhabi Ports Group has formed a strategic partnership with Africa Port Development Limited to build and operate a new dry bulk cargo terminal in Douala, Cameroon. This collaboration is poised to enhance the region’s logistics capabilities and strengthen economic ties, establishing Abu Dhabi Ports as a key player in the African maritime landscape.
The Abu Dhabi Ports Group announced a strategic agreement with Africa Port Development Limited, entering into a 30-year concession to design, build, and operate a new dry bulk cargo terminal at the Port of Douala in Cameroon.
Under the agreement, an investment structure has been established, where Abu Dhabi Ports Group, along with two investors from the UAE, holds a 60% stake in the operating company, while Africa Port Development holds a 40% stake, granting Abu Dhabi Ports a significant economic interest of 51%.
Based on the investment structure, Abu Dhabi Ports Group is expected to invest approximately 320 million dirhams (73.4 million euros) to develop the first phase of the terminal, which will include two marine berths approximately 450 meters long, with an annual capacity of about 4 million tons of dry bulk cargo, including clinker, gypsum, fertilizers, and grains.
Construction Outlook
Construction is expected to commence between 2026 and 2028, in close collaboration with the Douala Port Authority, to meet the strong and sustainable demand in Cameroon’s main maritime gateway.
Strategic Expansion of Abu Dhabi Ports Group
Mohammed Aida Al-Menhali, the regional CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, stated that this agreement represents a significant strategic expansion to enhance the presence of Abu Dhabi Ports Group in Africa, reflecting our commitment to developing maritime infrastructure that yields tangible economic returns in high-growth markets, in line with our leadership’s vision.
Al-Menhali emphasized the project’s importance in enhancing supply chain resilience and accelerating industrial development, contributing to establishing Cameroon as a strategic gateway for Central Africa.
Partnership with Africa Port Development
Al-Menhali added, “Through our partnership with Africa Port Development, we combine extensive local market expertise with the global capabilities of Abu Dhabi Ports Group in port development and operations, supporting the Douala Port Authority’s plans to modernize the port and enhance its competitive efficiency.”
We also commend the tangible achievements of the port authority in recent years, reflected in the strong growth of the maritime sector in Cameroon, and we look forward to contributing to the implementation of its long-term development plans.
Mark Tabbishi, managing partner at Africa Port Development, stated, “This partnership with Abu Dhabi Ports Group represents a global model that reflects our strong belief in the importance of this project and the promising potential of Cameroon and the African continent as a whole.”
Project Location and Positive Impact
The new project is located at the Port of Douala, the largest seaport in Cameroon, which handles most of the country’s dry bulk imports and serves as a vital transit gateway for landlocked markets in Central Africa. The terminal is expected to enhance regional supply chains and improve the flow of goods, benefiting from a robust logistics network linking Douala with key industrial centers and regional trade corridors across Central Africa.
Abu Dhabi Ports Group continues to expand its presence in Africa, based on its extensive investments and operations in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, and the Republic of Congo, reinforcing its position as a preferred partner in trade, logistics, and infrastructure across the continent.