AD Ports Group has joined African Ports Development (APD) in a 30-year interest in designing, constructing and operating a new dry bulk terminal at the Port of Douala in the Republic of Cameroon.
The agreement establishes an investment structure in which AD Ports Group, together with two other UAE investors, owns 60% of the operating company and African Ports Development LTD holds a 40% ownership interest, meaning AD Ports Group’s effective economic interest is 51%.
Based on ownership of this investment structure, AD Ports Group’s investment share is expected to be approximately AED 320 million (EUR 73.4 million) and the first phase of the development of the dry bulk terminal will consist of two berths and approximately 450 meters of quay, with an annual handling capacity of approximately 4 million tonnes of dry bulk cargo such as clinker, gypsum, fertilizers and grains.
Construction is scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2028, in close collaboration with the Douala Port Authority, to meet strong and sustained demand at Cameroon’s main maritime gateway.
Mohamed Ida Al Menhari, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “This agreement represents a strategically important expansion of AD Ports Group’s presence in Africa and, in line with the vision of our wise leadership, is a strategically important expansion of AD Ports Group’s presence in Africa. “It strengthens our commitment to developing market-impact maritime infrastructure. The Doualad Bulk Terminal will strengthen trade resilience, support industrial development and strengthen Cameroon’s role as a gateway to Central Africa.”
Mr Al Menhari further added: “Through our partnership with African Ports Development, we will combine local market expertise with AD Ports Group’s global capabilities in port development and operations to modernize and strengthen Douala Port. We commend the port authority’s significant progress in recent years in driving the strong growth of Cameroon’s maritime sector and look forward to further contributing to its long-term development.” ambition.
Mark Tabsey, Africa Ports Development Managing Partner, said: “We are delighted to be able to realize this project in Cameroon and our partnership with AD Ports Group, a global standard that shares our firm belief in the potential of the African continent. Building on the opportunities presented by the modernization and professionalization efforts of the Douala Port Authority, this partnership establishes strategic synergies that combine the ambition and regional depth of our Group with the operational excellence of AD Ports Group.
Located in Douala Port, Cameroon’s largest seaport, which handles the majority of the country’s bulk imports and serves as a key transit hub to inland Central African markets, the new terminal will strengthen regional supply chains and increase the efficiency of key cargo flows. The new terminal will also benefit from strong hinterland connectivity linking Douala with major industrial centers and regional trade corridors across Central Africa.
AD Ports Group continues to expand its footprint across Africa, building on established investments and operations in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and the Republic of Congo, strengthening its position as a preferred partner for trade, logistics and trade-enabling infrastructure across the continent.
