Abu Dhabi Ports Group has announced the signing of an agreement aimed at creating a unified digital platform for trade and logistics solutions in collaboration with Angola’s Logistics and Shipping Regulatory Authority (ARCLA). This initiative will also enhance logistical operations in Angola through the services provided by Natom Unicaragaz, a logistics company.
The group entered into five preliminary agreements with various public and private entities in Angola to explore collaboration opportunities in marine services, training, logistics, air cargo handling, and healthcare.
These agreements were signed by Ricardo Vegas de Abreu, Angola’s Minister of Transport, and Mohamed Ayida Al-Menhali, the Regional CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group.
This move is part of the group’s ongoing expansion in Angola, where it has previously committed to invest up to $250 million by 2026. This investment will be focused on the redevelopment and expansion of the Natom Ports – Luanda terminal, a multipurpose facility located in the country’s largest port, approximately six months after the group commenced operations in Angola this past January.
Ricardo Vegas de Abreu expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity, stating, “We welcome this chance to strengthen our fruitful relationship with Abu Dhabi Ports Group, one of the leading investors in Angola and a strategic partner in our national growth journey. By modernizing and enhancing our marine and commercial infrastructure, both Abu Dhabi Ports and the Angolan Ministry of Transport will stimulate trade in the region, solidifying Angola’s role as a key driver of socio-economic development.”
Captain Mohamed Juma Al-Shamsi, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, noted, “The agreements signed today represent our contribution to the development of Angola’s capital, Luanda, into a critical trade hub for West Africa. With the acquisition of a new fleet of trucks and the development of a unified digital trade and logistics platform in Angola, along with the signed memoranda, we look forward to implementing significant projects that will promote sustainable economic growth and prosperity for the Angolan community, aligning with the directives of our leadership in the UAE.”
Importantly, the establishment of the unified digital trade and logistics platform and the acquisition of the truck fleet will bolster the group’s presence in Angola, particularly at the Port of Luanda, which handles approximately 76% of Angola’s container and general cargo traffic, facilitating maritime access to landlocked neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.
The Luanda terminal, part of Natom Ports, serves as a primary launching point for Natom Unicaragaz, a joint venture that is 90% owned by the group in partnership with the local Unicaragaz, which operates one of Africa’s most modern ground transportation fleets.
The addition of the new trucks and trailers will nearly double the fleet size of Natom Unicaragaz, increasing its operations to 70 trucks and 95 trailers.
In another development, the digital arm of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Maktab for Technology, will work with ARCLA to develop the unified digital platform known as “Joul” for trade and logistics solutions, which is set to become the modern integrated system for digitizing commerce in Angola.
The “Joul” platform aims to simplify trade operations and customs procedures in Angola, regarded as a promising trade center in the Central West Africa region. The platform’s development will unfold over three phases within a three-year agreement, with the initial phase focused on facilitating maritime trade, enhancing operational efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions in the logistics and trade sector in Angola.
Through the integration of land, sea, and air trade movements, the “Joul” platform will merge existing systems, including the national logistics network, unified port window, unified foreign trade window, customs management systems, and digital solutions for governmental ministries, agencies, businesses, freight forwarders, wholesalers, and retailers, alongside the National Bank of Angola.
The platform will leverage the internal expertise and capabilities of the group, augmented by its acquisitions of T-Tech, a company specializing in customs and border process optimization technology, and Dubai Technology, known for developing trade and transport solutions.
A framework agreement was signed with Angola’s Ministry of Transport to explore cooperation opportunities for establishing a maritime academy in Angola and to provide maritime transport and navigation services, operate marine terminals, and logistics platforms, including a deep-water port in Caio Cabinda and a multipurpose terminal at the Dande free zone.
Additionally, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Angola’s National Maritime Agency to establish a National Maritime Academy, and the group will collaborate with Cessl Maritima SA to explore maritime shipping and navigation service cooperation.
The group will also join forces with Soceidad Justora de Aeropuerto SA to evaluate opportunities for logistics, ground handling, and cargo and storage services at Catumbela International Airport, also known as Paulo Teixeira Jorge Airport.
Moreover, the joint venture “Doctor,” established in collaboration with the UAE medical service provider Burjeel Holding, will explore cooperative opportunities with Angola’s Ministry of Health to enhance logistical services and supply chains for transporting medical equipment, medicines, and health supplies throughout the country.