To improve maritime connectivity along Africa’s west coast, the Abu Dhabi Ports (AD Ports) Group has struck important strategic partnerships with Angolan organizations. In the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State, AD Ports Group and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Angola signed a framework agreement to begin working together on the development of maritime services and infrastructure throughout the nation during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023.
Additionally, the Group has signed a Head of Terms agreement to create a joint venture with the state-owned logistics and transportation firm UNICARGAS, which operates the multipurpose terminal at the Port of Luanda, the busiest port in Angola and handles more than 70% of its international imports and 80% of its exports. The new joint venture, with majority ownership by AD Ports Group, will work to modernize, manage, and operate the multi-purpose terminal and the logistic business of UNICARGAS.
Areas highlighted under the strategic framework agreement with the Ministry for potential joint investment and development include ferry and cabotage services, maritime passenger terminals, logistics platforms, and a Maritime Academy in Angola. The framework agreement also covers plans to consider the development of the Caio Deepwater Terminal at Cabinda Port, located in Angola’s oil-rich northwest region.
AD Ports Group’s new agreements in Angola have the potential to significantly boost the country’s maritime industry. With Angola’s oil and gas sector contributing approximately 50% of the republic’s GDP, and 90% of exports, the energy sector in particular, is likely to benefit considerably from improved connectivity. Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, “Our collaboration with the Republic of Angola demonstrates AD Ports Group’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s strong and evolving relationship with Angola in line with the directions of our wise leadership. We are focused on building fast and efficient maritime trade routes, and we are pleased to bring our robust knowledge base to Angola and the ports located on Africa’s west coast. These agreements reflect the trust the Ministry of Transport and the team at UNICARGAS have placed in us, and in our ability to contribute to Angola’s economic growth plans.”
Ricardo Viegas D´Abreu, Minister for Transport of the Republic of Angola, commented, “The development of the Republic of Angola’s port infrastructure is a key priority of our 2023-2027 National Development Plan. Modernising our port infrastructure is a vital step for Angola to maximise the potential of our natural resources and promote economic growth for the benefit of our people. We are delighted to enter into the framework agreement with AD Ports Group and to benefit from its established knowledge and expertise as a global maritime player.”
Mohamed Eidha Tannaf Al Menhali, Regional CEO – Africa, AD Ports Group, said, “We are pleased to participate in the new joint venture to enhance and operate the multi-purpose terminal at the Port of Luanda, leveraging the expertise we have developed at ports in the UAE and wider region. Working with UNICARGAS, we see significant opportunities to increase efficiency and boost capacity, deploying the latest innovations to enhance service levels and turnaround times.”
Joaquim Nazaré Pimentel da Piedade, Management Committee Coordinator, UNICARGAS, said, “Our aim is to develop a state-of-the-art multi-purpose terminal to enhance the Port of Luanda’s position as Angola’s busiest port, to accelerate trade flows and contribute to economic growth. We are delighted to work with AD Ports Group, which has the technical and operational expertise to take services at the terminal to the next level.” With a GDP of $74B, Angola has the sixth-largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa. The Republic of Angola has 1,600 km of the Atlantic Ocean coastline and five major operating ports. It is also well-positioned to gain from increased maritime trade. These ports are located in Luanda, Cabinda, Lobito, Soyo, and Namibe.
