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

LUANDA, Angola, January 31, 2025/APO Group/ — 

AD Ports Group (www.ADPortsGroup.com), a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics and industry (ADX: ADPORTS), today began 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% 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 a 81% stake in the multipurpose terminal venture with Unicargas and Multiparques, and a 90% 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 meaningful 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.

Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “With the planned upgrade of Luanda’s multipurpose port terminal, and establishment of an integrated logistics and freight forwarding business leveraging our 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% 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.’’

This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our mission to modernize infrastructure and expand access to global trade, promising a prosperous future for Angola

His Excellency Ricardo Daniel Sandão Queirós Viegas D¢Abreu, Minister of Transport, Angola, said:

“The Port of Luanda is the main maritime gateway to Angola, a critical hub for regional trade and for the economic vitality of the country and its neighbors. 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. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our mission to modernize infrastructure and expand access to global trade, promising a prosperous future for Angola and its partners,” emphasizes Angola’s Minister of Transport, Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu.

The same official adds that the investment “the ADP Group can count on the commitment of the Angolan Government in everything necessary so that the planned investment (over 250 million dollars) delivers the desired results for all parties involved.”

Today’s commencement and transfer of business assets occurred seamlessly without interruption in terminal operations, which are planned to continue uninterrupted as AD Ports Group and its partners improve terminal efficiency and operating performance. The Group is also committed to improving health and safety at the terminal, and has already begun to put into place a best-in-class Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) programme to manage and control workplace hazards, environmental risks, and employee well-being.

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 sqm 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 Angola.

The decision to enter Angola followed the signing of a 2023 framework agreement between AD Ports Group and the Government of Angola to explore cooperation in transport and maritime infrastructure.

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. On 11 September 2024, AD Ports Group awarded contracts to Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (“ZPMC”), one of the largest port machinery manufacturers in the world, to supply three Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and eight hybrid Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes for the Luanda terminal.

Super Post-Panamax STS cranes are the largest port cranes on the market, capable of reaching 21 container rows and a distance of 60 metres. Hybrid RTG cranes can save up to 60% of diesel in comparison to a traditional diesel RTG cranes, which is equivalent to 1 million litres per year and 5,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

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.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AD Ports Group.

France’s contribution will bolster the Africa Green Infrastructure Alliance (AGIA), a platform of the African Development Bank, Africa 50 and other partners that will develop transformative sustainable infrastructure projects for investment

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, January 31, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Denmark, the United Kingdom, Spain and France have unveiled new or additional contributions to the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, demonstrating strong support for the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org)-managed fund as it expands energy access across Africa, including through the Mission 300 partnership. Another new donor – Japan –joined in December 2024 with a $5 million contribution under AGIA (https://apo-opa.co/3Eju6LT). 

SEFA is a multi-donor Special Fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. It aims to contribute to universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services for all in Africa in line with the New Deal on Energy for Africa and Mission 300. 

Mission 300 (https://apo-opa.co/4hDAJqx), an ambitious new partnership of the African Development Bank Group, the World Bank Group and other development partners, aims to provide access to electricity to an additional 300 million Africans by 2030.  

France, a new donor to SEFA, will provide €10 million. Denmark, the UK and Spain will increase existing contributions by DKK 100 million (€13.4 million), £8.5 million (€10.13) and €3 million, respectively.  

Africa is endowed with enormous untapped potential for renewable energy, which can fuel green industrialisation

France’s contribution will bolster the Africa Green Infrastructure Alliance (AGIA) (https://apo-opa.co/4aHQE4M), a platform of the African Development Bank, Africa 50 and other partners that will develop transformative sustainable infrastructure projects for investment.  

 These contributions come as SEFA enjoyed its best year on record in 2024, with $108 million approved for 14 projects. SEFA now boasts a portfolio of over $300 million in highly impactful investments and technical assistance programmes, which is expected to unlock up to $15 billion in investments and deliver approximately 12 million new electricity connections. 

Denmark’s Acting State Secretary for Development Policy, Ole Thonke, said: “Africa is endowed with enormous untapped potential for renewable energy, which can fuel green industrialisation. The latest Danish financial contribution to SEFA will focus on the newly established Africa-led Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA), further supporting the continent’s ambitious development and climate goals.” 

“We are halfway through this decisive decade to achieve the sustainable development goals and get on track to tackle climate change,” said Rachel Kyte, UK Special Representative for Climate, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. “Achieving our collective goals of reliable, affordable and clean power is a golden thread that links economic growth, greater investment, strengthened resilience and climate ambition. By accelerating the roll-out of clean power, the UK and Mission 300 are putting green and inclusive growth at the heart of our partnerships with Africa. Our announcement of an additional £8.5 million in UK funding for the AfDB’s SEFA will mobilise the much-needed private sector investment so that more Africans can access clean power right across the continent.” 

Inés Carpio San Román, Alternate Governor of Spain for the African Development Bank, said, “We are pleased that Spain has decided to renew its support for the SEFA fund with a contribution of €3 million. This reaffirms our commitment to the crucial sector of renewable energy, which plays a key role in fostering sustainable development across Africa.” 

“As a strong supporter of Africa’s green infrastructure investments with financial tools that mobilise private finance, France is proud to contribute €10 million to the AGIA through SEFA,” stated Bertrand Dumont, Director General of the French Treasury and Governor for France at the African Development Bank. “This very first contribution is our first step towards reinforcing Africa’s sustainable development and accelerating the continent’s path to a low-carbon economy. By investing in green infrastructure in Africa, we are investing for the future.”  

Dr Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank, said, “We welcome the new commitments from donors whose support underscores the impactful work of SEFA. These contributions are essential in enabling SEFA to fulfil its role as a key delivery vehicle for Mission 300 at this pivotal moment.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

The 787-9 and subsequent deliveries of the fuel-efficient widebody jet will advance the airline’s fleet modernization plans and long-haul capabilities, bringing more travelers and trade to Angol

LUANDA, Angola, January 31, 2025/APO Group/ —

• African airline receives first of four 787 Dreamliner airplanes on order
• 787 Dreamliner to expand TAAG Angola Airlines’ network in Europe and open new opportunities in Asia and North America

Boeing [NYSE: BA] (www.Boeing.com) delivered the first of four 787 Dreamliner airplanes to TAAG Angola Airlines, debuting the airline’s new livery. The 787-9 and subsequent deliveries of the fuel-efficient widebody jet will advance the airline’s fleet modernization plans and long-haul capabilities, bringing more travelers and trade to Angola with the industry’s most advanced commercial airplane.

The airline’s first 787 Dreamliner, which is on lease from AerCap, arrived in Luanda just ahead of Angola’s Liberation Day on February 4, marking nearly 50 years since the delivery of TAAG Angola’s first airplane, a Boeing 737-200.

“The delivery of the 787-9 is a pivotal step in our strategy to modernize TAAG Angola Airlines’ fleet,” said Nelson Pedro Rodrigues de Oliveira, CEO of TAAG Angola Airlines. “This airplane brings the efficiency and versatility we need to meet growing market demands, replace our aging widebody fleet, and deliver a world-class experience to our passengers.”

This airplane brings the efficiency and versatility we need to meet growing market demands, replace our aging widebody fleet, and deliver a world-class experience to our passengers

TAAG Angola Airlines currently operates five 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes, three 777-200ERs, and seven Next-Generation 737s, connecting Angola to 12 destinations across Africa, Europe, South America and China. The introduction of the 787 Dreamliner will enable the carrier to expand its long-haul network, with plans to launch new routes to Europe and explore opportunities in Asia and North America.

“The 787 Dreamliner will complement TAAG Angola Airlines’ fleet of Boeing 737 and 777 jets, as we continue to support the airline in its mission to connect people and places across the globe,” said Anbessie Yitbarek, vice president of Boeing Commercial Sales for Africa. “Our 50-year relationship with TAAG Angola Airlines has been built on trust and shared goals, and we look forward to many more years of successful collaboration and innovation together.”

The 787 Dreamliner, which TAAG Angola Airlines ordered in 2023 (https://apo-opa.co/4hEsiLC), is a core part of the operator’s modernization efforts. Recognized for its advanced technologies, fuel efficiency, and exceptional passenger experience, the 787 Dreamliner reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to the airplanes it will replace.

Coinciding with the delivery of TAAG Angola Airlines’ first 787 Dreamliner, the airline is working with Boeing to purchase CO2 emissions reduction associated with blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through an accounting process called book-and-claim. Distributors will deliver the blended SAF made available through these purchased certificates to nearby airports for use by airlines and other carriers.

Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook projects Africa will need 1,170 airplanes over the next two decades. Boeing airplanes have formed the backbone of Africa’s commercial fleet for over 75 years. More than 60 airlines operate around 500 Boeing airplanes throughout Africa, which represents nearly 70% of the airplane market across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Boeing.