AD Ports Group has finalized a $115 million project financing facility to support the development of the Noatum Ports – Safaga terminal in Egypt, reinforcing the Group’s long-term commitment to expand critical ports and logistics infrastructure across its key focus, international markets.
The financing, supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) with the participation of the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK – Egypt) and other institutional investors through a joint lending portfolio program managed by IFC, has a term of 15 years and reflects the strong international confidence in AD Ports Group’s operations and Egypt’s strategic role in global supply chains.
The financing has received the necessary approvals and, subject to the satisfaction of customary precedent conditions, financial closing is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2026.
This financing agreement supports the Group’s strategy to leverage multilaterally supported long-term financing to support the delivery of strategic, international, long-term infrastructure assets in emerging markets.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “This IFC-backed project financing facility is a strategic move for our company to finance long-term infrastructure assets in emerging markets through multilateral and institutional partnerships. The participation of IFC, NBK Egypt and other international investors will support the development of the Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal and strengthen our growing presence in Egypt, a strategically important market for global supply chains. With the UAE’s wise leadership, we remain focused on delivering resilient infrastructure assets that strengthen connectivity, support sustainable economic growth and create long-term value for our stakeholders. ”
Makhtar Diop, IFC Managing Director, said: “Strengthening trade is key to stimulating economic development, and this transaction demonstrates how IFC can be a strategic enabler of south-south investment. This project will strengthen Egypt’s position as a central trade hub, reduce costs for local businesses, and create quality jobs, while strengthening the UAE’s position as a regional growth engine and partner for deeper economic integration.”
Yasser El Tayeb, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of NBK Egypt, said: “This landmark financing underscores NBK Egypt’s commitment to supporting strategic infrastructure projects that drive sustainable economic growth while delivering environmental impact through reduced CO2 emissions. Our collaboration with IFC and AD Ports Group reflects our confidence in Egypt’s logistics sector and its long-term potential.”
The $200 million Noatum Port-Safaga Terminal will be located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast and will be the first internationally operated port terminal in the Upper Egypt region.
The terminal is part of AD Ports Group’s broader strategy to build and operate high-performance port assets across high-growth trade corridors, particularly in Egypt, which has become one of the group’s most important international markets.
AD Ports Group’s investments in Egypt include container shipping, terminal and cargo handling operations, maritime agency and freight services. The Group is also developing cruise terminals in the Red Sea ports of Safaga, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. In 2025, the Group further expanded its portfolio through a 50-year renewable usufruct agreement to develop and operate KEZAD East Port Said, a 20 km² industrial and logistics park at the Mediterranean gateway to the Suez Canal.
AD Ports Group strengthens its position as a major facilitator of trade in the Mediterranean and Red Sea regions, recently acquiring a 19.328% stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company (ALCN), one of Egypt’s largest container terminal operators.
The group also recently announced its intention to launch a compulsory cash tender offer to acquire additional shares in ALCN, which would give it majority ownership and control of the company. ALCN operates two strategic Mediterranean terminals at the ports of Alexandria and El Dekeira, complementing the Group’s expansion in Egypt while generating tangible financial benefits.
