Abu Dhabi–based AD Ports Group has signed an agreement to integrate the 30-year concession held by Africa Ports Development (APD) at the Port of Douala, paving the way for the construction of a new dry bulk terminal.
The deal covers the design, construction and operation of the facility, reinforcing AD Ports’ expansion strategy across trade, logistics and maritime infrastructure in Africa.
Under the agreement, AD Ports will lead Phase 1 of the project, which includes the construction of two berths extending approximately 450 meters of quay. The terminal is expected to handle around 4 million tons of dry bulk cargo annually, including clinker, gypsum, fertilizers and grain.
The first phase carries an estimated investment of €73.4 million (approximately CFA48.1 billion).
In terms of ownership structure, AD Ports will hold a 51% stake in the project, alongside two other UAE-based investors, bringing total Emirati participation to 60%. Africa Ports Development will retain a 40% share.
APD had previously secured a 30-year concession agreement with the Port Authority of Douala to build and operate a bulk terminal. The new arrangement effectively integrates AD Ports into the existing concession framework, strengthening the project’s financial and operational backing.
The development is expected to enhance cargo handling capacity at the Port of Douala, Cameroon’s main maritime gateway, and improve supply chain efficiency for bulk imports and exports in Central Africa.
Industry analysts view the move as part of a broader strategy by Gulf-based logistics operators to expand their footprint in African port infrastructure, capitalising on growing trade volumes and infrastructure modernisation efforts across the continent.
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