DP World inked a MoU with the Senegalese Government last October to build a logistics free zone near Blaise Diagne International Airport, about 50 km from its existing Dakar Terminal development at Port Du Futur.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, group chairman and ceo of the global terminal operator, updated Sall on progress in the Senegalese capital during his annual tour of DP World’s Africa operations.
DP World are hailing the logistics hub as “one of the most advanced and well organised free zones in Africa and globally using the latest state-of-the-art equipment and technology” although specifics of the project were not publicly disclosed.
“The sheer size of the African continent presents a major infrastructure challenge that needs to be addressed and we are pleased to be able to share our learnings with Senegal’s leaders,” Sulayem said in a statement after the meeting also attended by Senegalese Prime Minister Mohammed Dionne and UAE Ambassador to Senegal, Mohammed Al Rashidi.
Sulayem meet with other heads of state and business leaders during the tour to explore trade solutions designed to better connect African trade to the world.
As well as Senegal, DP World has African operations in Egypt, Mozambique, Djibouti and Algeria and recently signed an agreement with the Republic of Somaliland to invest in a multi-purpose port project at Berbera. It also secured a 25-year concession to develop and operate a new logistics centre in Kigali, Rwanda at the beginning of the year.
“In speaking with leaders of African countries one thing is clear…this continent’s people are gearing for change on a massive scale and we are eager to be part of the process,” Sulayem said.
“Our business helps economies flourish, connecting local markets to global trade and the sharing of expertise and experiences across international borders is essential in realising seamless cargo movement across multi-modal transport.”
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