The government of Republic of the Congo has moved forward with a major port expansion project after Abu Dhabi Ports committed at least US$200 million to construct a new terminal at the strategic Pointe-Noire port.
The development, expected to begin construction soon and become operational by 2028, is aimed at modernising one of Central Africa’s most important maritime gateways along the Gulf of Guinea. Pointe-Noire serves as the country’s economic hub and a critical logistics centre for regional trade.
According to Mohammed Menhali, Director General of Abu Dhabi Ports, the project has already progressed beyond planning stages, with three key agreements recently signed to kickstart implementation. The first contract, valued at around $50 million, involves Chinese engineering firm Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited for the supply of specialised cranes capable of handling large Supramax vessels. The remaining $150 million covers maritime works and terminal superstructure construction.
The new terminal is expected to stretch up to 400 metres in length and initially handle around 250,000 containers annually. Capacity is projected to grow further as trade volumes increase under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to boost intra-African commerce.
Officials say the project is not only about expanding port capacity but also about transforming Congo’s economic prospects. The investment is expected to generate jobs, improve logistics efficiency, and position Pointe-Noire as a stronger regional trade hub connecting landlocked countries to global markets.
The initiative is being developed in partnership with global shipping giant CMA CGM, a move welcomed by Congolese authorities as a step toward integrating advanced technology and operational expertise into the port ecosystem.
“This partnership marks a new era for Pointe-Noire in terms of technological advancement and cargo handling capacity,” said Innocent Dimi, Secretary-General for Public-Private Partnerships in Congo. He described Abu Dhabi Ports as “a new player in the Pointe-Noire ecosystem” that will complement existing operators and accelerate development.
The project comes at a time of broader global supply chain uncertainty, including disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions affecting key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these challenges, Congo’s government has continued to push infrastructure development as part of a long-term economic growth strategy.
The Pointe-Noire port has already benefited from significant investment over the past decade. Logistics group Africa Global Logistics has invested an estimated €450 million in modernising port operations since 2009, helping to improve efficiency and expand handling capacity.
Analysts say the new terminal could significantly enhance Congo’s competitiveness in regional trade, particularly as African economies increasingly prioritise industrialisation, export diversification, and supply chain resilience.
The expansion also reflects a broader trend of growing economic ties between African countries and Gulf states, particularly the United Arab Emirates, which has been actively increasing investments in African infrastructure, logistics, and energy projects.
With construction set to begin soon, the Pointe-Noire terminal project is expected to play a key role in shaping Central Africa’s trade future, offering improved connectivity, increased capacity, and stronger integration into global shipping networks.
