AD Ports to Explore Development of DRC Multipurpose Terminal

Why It Matters

The terminal could transform DRC into a key logistics corridor for Central Africa, boosting trade volumes and attracting foreign investment. It also accelerates AD Ports’ ambition to dominate African maritime infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• AD Ports signs Heads of Terms with DRC government
• Matadi terminal aims to boost Congo River trade capacity
• Project positions DRC as regional logistics hub
• AD Ports expands footprint across Africa and Asia

Pulse Analysis

Matadi Port’s strategic location on the Congo River makes it the most inland oceangoing dock in Central Africa, yet its infrastructure lags behind growing trade demand. By partnering with the DRC government, AD Ports aims to modernize the terminal, increase berth depth, and introduce advanced cargo handling systems. Such upgrades would not only streamline imports and exports for the DRC but also enable landlocked neighbors to access global markets more efficiently, reinforcing the country’s role as a natural trade conduit.

AD Ports’ pursuit of the Matadi project fits a broader pattern of rapid expansion across the continent. Recent transactions—including a bulk facility in Karachi, a stake in Egypt’s Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company, and the acquisition of CMA CGM’s share in Syria’s Latakia terminal—demonstrate a diversification strategy that leverages existing expertise to capture emerging market opportunities. The company’s existing assets in Egypt, Tanzania, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo provide a platform for operational synergies, risk mitigation, and cross‑border logistics integration, positioning AD Ports as a one‑stop maritime services provider.

If realized, the Matadi multipurpose terminal could catalyze a surge in regional freight volumes, attracting ancillary services such as warehousing, rail links, and value‑added logistics. Investors are likely to view the project as a gateway to Central African markets, potentially unlocking new financing avenues and public‑private partnerships. However, success will depend on navigating regulatory complexities, securing sustainable funding, and delivering on time—factors that will shape the terminal’s impact on DRC’s economic trajectory.

AD Ports to explore development of DRC multipurpose terminal

Framework agreed with Democratic Republic of Congo government for potential development and operation of Matadi Port terminal · Gary Howard, Middle East correspondent · February 3 2026

AD Ports Group announced it has signed a Heads of Terms with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Opening Up to explore the development and operation of a multipurpose terminal at Matadi Port.

Situated on the Congo River on the opposite bank from Angola, Matadi Port is DRC’s main port, marking the furthest oceangoing vessels can travel up the Congo River.

The preliminary agreement sets a framework for the parties to explore the operation and development of the multipurpose terminal, as well as enhance its operational efficiency and capacity. The parties will also discuss facilitation of streamlined import and export flows, and supporting DRC’s trade volumes.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and group CEO of AD Ports Group, said:

“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.”

The Heads of Terms were signed at the Presidential Court in Abu Dhabi by H. E. Jean‑Pierre Bemba Gombo, deputy prime minister and minister of transport and communications – DRC; and Al Shamisi.

The agreement comes at a time of expansion for AD Ports, with recent deals including construction of a bulk facility at Karachi, Pakistan, an investment in Egyptian container‑terminal operator Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company (ALCN), buying CMA CGM’s 20 % stake in Syria’s Latakia International Container Terminal (LICT), and the establishment of a new office in China.

AD Ports Group said it continues to expand its presence across Africa. The company has existing ports, logistics, and maritime investments in Egypt, Tanzania, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo.