AD Ports and APD Win 30-Year Concession for Douala Port

Douala, Cameroon — UAE-based AD Ports Group has announced a strategic partnership with Africa Ports Developments (APD) to operate and further develop the newly constructed Dry Bulk Terminal at Douala Port under a 30-year concession agreement. The development marks a significant step forward in expanding port infrastructure in Central Africa and strengthening Cameroon’s role as a regional trade hub.

The concession — awarded following a competitive tender process — reflects growing investor confidence in Africa’s maritime logistics sector and underscores the strategic importance of Douala Port’s position on the Gulf of Guinea.

⚓ Key Elements of the New Concession

Under the agreement:

AD Ports Group and APD will jointly manage and operate the new Dry Bulk Terminal, expected to serve commodities including grain, fertiliser, clinker, and other bulk cargoes.
The partners plan to deploy modern handling equipment and logistics systems to improve cargo throughput and operational efficiency.
Investment will be directed at infrastructure upgrades, digital systems integration, and workforce capacity-building over the duration of the concession.

APD’s Managing Director said the partnership with AD Ports Group brings together global expertise and local operational insight — a combination designed to position Douala Port as a more competitive gateway for Central African trade.

📦 Douala Port: Strategic Gateway to Central Africa

Douala Port — Cameroon’s largest and most important seaport — serves as a major gateway for import and export cargo for the country and landlocked neighbours including Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR). Its location on the Wouri River estuary gives it access to the Gulf of Guinea and key international shipping routes connecting Africa to Europe, the Americas and Asia.

By modernising its dry bulk handling capabilities, Douala Port aims to:

Improve turnaround times for vessels and cargoes
Attract more trade flows through Central Africa
Support regional economic growth and diversification
Strengthen supply chains for critical commodities

The new terminal is expected to enhance Cameroon’s role in facilitating efficient cargo flows across the region, boosting trade competitiveness and regional integration.

🌍 Why This Matters for Africa’s Port Sector

Analysts say the concession highlights several broader trends:

Private investment in African ports: Partnerships with global terminal operators like AD Ports Group are helping unlock capital and know-how for modern infrastructure.
Regional logistics enhancement: Enhanced facilities at Douala will improve connectivity for landlocked economies and reduce cargo bottlenecks.
Digitalisation and efficiency: Modern equipment and systems bring Douala closer to global operational standards, supporting faster turnaround and lower costs.
Public-private collaboration models: Long-term concessions signal confidence in shared governance models that align public interests with private efficiency.