AD Ports Group To Explore Development Of Matadi Port Multipurpose Terminal In DRC

AD Ports Group has signed Heads of Terms with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Opening Up, and the National Transport Office ONATRA SA. The agreement covers plans to develop and operate a multipurpose terminal at Matadi Port, a key maritime gateway for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s trade.

The Heads of Terms, signed at the Presidential Court in Abu Dhabi by Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, set out a framework for cooperation. The parties will study investment, operations, and management options for the Matadi Port multipurpose terminal to raise capacity and improve efficiency.

The preliminary understanding aims to streamline import and export flows through Matadi Port and support rising trade volumes. It is designed to modernise terminal services, enhance cargo handling, and improve overall port performance, while aligning infrastructure upgrades with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s broader economic plans and regional connectivity goals.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said, "We are pleased to sign this preliminary agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Opening Up, and ONATRA SA to explore the development and operation of a multipurpose terminal in Matadi Port, one of the country’s most vital maritime gateways." He added, "The Democratic Republic of Congo is a strategic nation in Africa, bordered by nine countries and serving as a natural hub for regional trade and connectivity. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to enhancing the country’s access to global markets and supporting long term economic development initiatives in Africa, in line with the vision of our wise leadership."

AD Ports Group has been building a network of ports, logistics, and maritime assets across Africa to support trade corridors linked to the Middle East. Existing activities cover Egypt, Tanzania, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo, where operations are oriented toward regional trade integration and long-term economic development partnerships.

The planned multipurpose terminal at Matadi Port is expected to complement these African investments by strengthening links between the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring markets. By upgrading port infrastructure and services, the cooperation between AD Ports Group and ONATRA SA seeks to improve cargo flows, raise operational standards, and contribute to sustained growth in the country’s international trade.

With inputs from WAM