AD Ports Group takes over Angola Harbour to boost terminal trade with neighboring countries
AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics and industry kicks off its long-term management and development of a major multipurpose terminal and an associated logistics business with local partners in Luanda, Angola, driving forward its expansion in sub-Saharan Africa.
With Angolan joint venture partners Unicargas and Multiparques, AD Ports Group started operations at Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal in the country’s largest port.
The Port of Luanda handles about 76 percent of Angola’s container and general cargo volumes, as well as providing maritime access to landlocked neighbours Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.
AD Ports Group has an 81 percent stake in the multipurpose terminal venture with Unicargas and Multiparques, and a 90 percent stake in the logistics venture with Unicargas.
Under a 20-year concession agreement with the Luanda Port Authority signed in April 2024, AD Ports Group committed to invest around USD 250 million through 2026 to modernise the terminal and to develop Noatum Unicargas Logistics, the joint venture providing integrated logistics, transport and freight forwarding services for local, regional and international clients.
With the terminal’s opening today, trading began at Noatum Unicargas Logistics.
Noatum Unicargas Logistics is making a significant investment in new trucks and systems and will be fully integrated with the Noatum Logistics global network to strengthen Angola’s access to international markets and drive investment-led growth in the Angolan economy.
In line with market demand, AD Ports Group’s investment could increase to USD 380 million over the life of the concession, which could be extended by another 10 years.
In late 2024, AD Ports Group also signed two agreements with the Angolan government that confer significant tax and financial benefits to the operating subsidiaries of the Group.
The investments are also expected to result in the creation of thousands of local direct and indirect jobs, and in training and upskilling. The planned investments include equipment and technology solutions that will enable environmentally sustainable operations, with lower carbon emissions.
Regional Chief Executive for AD Ports Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, said the planned upgrade of Luanda’s multipurpose port terminal, and establishment of an integrated logistics and freight forwarding business leveraging the Group’s global network and reach.
“AD Ports Group is positioned to capture the growth in Angola’s container volumes, which are forecast to rise on average by 3.3 percent annually over the next decade. In line with the direction of our wise leadership, this significant investment by our Group and its partners will strengthen the country’s ties with the UAE and bring jobs and economic prosperity to the citizens of Angola.’’
Angolan Minister of Transport, Ricardo Daniel Sandão Queirós Viegas D’ Abreu, said the Port of Luanda is a critical hub for regional trade and for the economic vitality of the country and its neighbours.
“Through the strategic partnership with the AD Ports Group, an integral part of a broader effort involving various stakeholders, we will transform the Port of Luanda into a modern and multifaceted facility that will significantly enhance our logistical capabilities and drive economic growth across the central and western regions of the African continent.”
“The ADP Group can count on the commitment of the Angolan Government in everything necessary so that the planned investment (over USD 250 million) delivers the desired results for all parties involved,” added the Minister.
Under AD Ports Group’s leadership, the Luanda port terminal will be significantly upgraded to a general cargo, container and roll-on-roll off (Ro-Ro) terminal. It will be the only terminal in the Port of Luanda with 16 metres of depth alongside and therefore be able to handle Super Post Panamax vessels of up to 14,000 TEUs (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units).
The terminal area of 192,000 square meters will be re-engineered to support high density and efficient container handling, and will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and modern IT systems.
AD Ports Group has expanded into Africa over the past three years, announcing more than USD 800 million in planned investments in the maritime and shipping, ports and logistics sectors in Egypt, the Republic of Congo, Tanzania and now Angola.
New container handling equipment will be installed by the third quarter of 2026 that will greatly boost container capacity from 25,000 TEUs to 350,000 TEUs, and Ro-Ro volumes to over 40,000 vehicles.
In the Angolan logistics venture, Noatum Unicargas Logistics will invest in new machinery, reefer and flat-bed trucks, and upgrade IT systems to integrate seamlessly across Noatum Logistics’ digital ecosystem, providing full end-to-end supply chain visibility and enhanced operational efficiency.