Matadi port, located on the Congo river opposite Angola, serves as the main port for the DRC and is the furthest inland point accessible to seagoing vessels via the river.

Under the preliminary agreement, both parties will establish a cooperation framework to examine options for operating and developing the multi-purpose terminal, while enhancing the port’s operational efficiency and capacity. Discussions will also cover facilitating import-export activities and supporting the DRC’s trade growth.

AD Ports Group office building. *Photo: AD Ports Group*

Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Chief Executive Officer of AD Ports Group, noted that the DRC holds a strategic position in Africa, bordering 9 countries and serving as a central hub for regional trade connectivity. He stated that this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the DRC’s access to global markets and supporting long-term economic development initiatives across the continent.

The agreement was signed at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi by Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, DRC’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications, and Al Shamisi.

This agreement with the DRC comes as AD Ports expands its international operations. Recently, the group commenced construction of a bulk terminal in Karachi (Pakistan), invested in Alexandria Container Handling Company (Egypt), acquired a 20% stake from CMA CGM in Latakia International Container Terminal (Syria), and opened a new office in China.

AD Ports Group stated it continues to expand its presence in Africa, with investments in ports, logistics, and maritime sectors in Egypt, Tanzania, Angola, and the Republic of Congo.

AD Ports Group is Abu Dhabi’s (UAE) national logistics and maritime infrastructure conglomerate, established in 2006 and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) since 2022. The company operates an integrated business model, encompassing five main segments: ports, logistics, maritime and shipping, industrial zones and free zones, and digital services. The group operates strategic ports like Khalifa Port, develops logistics networks across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, and promotes digital transformation in supply chain management and trade.

By Ngoc Minh (according to *Seatrade Maritime News*)