AD Ports Group Secures US$115 Million Financing To Advance Safaga Terminal In Egypt

AD Ports Group has secured a US$115 million project finance facility to help develop the Noatum Ports - Safaga Terminal in Egypt, strengthening long-term investment in port and logistics infrastructure across priority international markets and signalling sustained interest from global lenders in Egypt’s trade role and the Group’s operating capabilities.

The Noatum Ports - Safaga Terminal is a US$200 million project on Egypt’s Red Sea coast and is expected to become the first internationally operated port terminal serving the Upper Egypt region, supporting national trade flows and providing new logistics capacity for regional and global shipping routes.

The new facility is arranged by the International Finance Corporation, with participation from National Bank of Kuwait - Egypt and other institutional investors through IFC’s co-lending portfolio programme, carries a 15-year tenor and is structured as long-term project finance aligned with the asset’s infrastructure profile.

The financing package has already obtained the necessary internal and regulatory approvals, and financial close is targeted for the first quarter of 2026, subject to the fulfilment of standard conditions precedent that apply to international project finance transactions in emerging markets.

The agreement matches AD Ports Group’s strategy of using long-dated, multilateral-backed debt to fund strategic international infrastructure assets in emerging economies, spreading capital commitments over extended periods and diversifying funding sources beyond commercial bank lending while aligning with global partners such as IFC and regional lenders like NBK - Egypt.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, "This IFC-backed project finance facility reflects our prudent approach to funding long-term infrastructure assets in emerging markets through multilateral and institutional partnerships. The participation of IFC, NBK - Egypt, and other international investors supports the development of the Noatum Ports - Safaga Terminal and reinforces our growing presence in Egypt, a market of strategic importance to the global supply chain. Guided by the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership, we remain focused on delivering resilient, infrastructure assets that enhance connectivity, support sustainable economic growth, and create long-term value for our stakeholders."

Makhtar Diop, Managing Director, IFC, said, "Enhancing trade is key to stimulating economic development, this transaction demonstrates how IFC can be a strategic enabler for South-South investments. The project will strengthen Egypt’s position as a central trade hub, lower costs for local businesses and create high-quality jobs, while also reinforcing the UAE’s position as a regional growth engine and a partner for deeper economic integration."

Yasser El Tayeb, Vice Chairman, CEO & Managing Director, NBK – Egypt, said: "This landmark financing underscores NBK - Egypt’s commitment to supporting strategic infrastructure projects that drive sustainable economic growth along with having environmental impact reducing the CO2 emissions. Our collaboration with IFC and AD Ports Group reflects our confidence in Egypt’s logistics sector and its long-term potential."

The Safaga terminal fits within AD Ports Group’s broader strategy to develop and operate high-performance port assets along high-growth trade corridors, with Egypt identified as one of the Group’s most important international markets due to its Suez Canal location, Red Sea coastline and established Mediterranean gateways.

AD Ports Group’s operations in Egypt already cover container shipping services, terminal and stevedoring activities, maritime agency roles and cargo services, providing integrated logistics solutions that link Red Sea ports, Mediterranean ports and inland markets, while also enabling closer cooperation between Egyptian and UAE-based trade partners.

AD Ports Group Red Sea, Mediterranean and ALCN investments

The Group is investing in cruise infrastructure through the development of cruise terminals at the Red Sea ports of Safaga, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, and in 2025 extended its portfolio via a 50-year renewable usufruct agreement to develop and operate KEZAD East Port Said, a 20 km² industrial and logistics park at the Mediterranean entrance of the Suez Canal.

Reinforcing its role as a trade facilitator across the Mediterranean and Red Sea basins, AD Ports Group recently acquired a 19.328% equity stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company, one of Egypt’s largest container terminal operators, gaining exposure to established container flows through key Egyptian ports.

The Group has also announced plans to launch a cash Mandatory Tender Offer for an additional stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company, which, if completed, would provide majority ownership and control over the company’s activities at the Alexandria and El-Dekheila Mediterranean terminals, complementing expansion at Safaga and supporting financial returns.

The combined effect of the Safaga project financing, wider port investments and closer cooperation with IFC, NBK - Egypt and other investors shows AD Ports Group deepening its presence in Egypt’s logistics sector, extending connectivity between the Red Sea and Mediterranean, and aligning long-term infrastructure growth with wider regional trade and economic objectives.

With inputs from WAM