DP World Group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem met with Senegalese President Macky Sall as part of a tour of West and North Africa, to confirm development of infrastructure projects in the country.
The discussions, attended by Prime Minister Mohammed Dionne and senior government officials, confirmed the
plan for Port du Futur, with construction to start before the end of 2018 together with agreement on land allocation for the associated freezone. Meanwhile, DP World will also provide a master plan for redevelopment of the old port of Dakar. Other topics included customs and logistics in the country.
Port du Futur will be a multi-purpose port with an economic zone and logistics zone adjacent to new Blaise Diagne International Airport. It allows for the creation of cargo, free movement of goods to support the countrys economic diversification, boosting non-resource exports. It is expected to be one of the most advanced and well organised free zones in Africa and globally, using the latest state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
The visit was part of Sulayems annual Africa tour calling at existing DP World operations while meeting other heads of state and business leaders, to explore trade links and solutions connecting Africa to the world. He underlined the companys commitment to supporting the economic growth of Senegal and developing Dakar into a major logistics hub and gateway.
Earlier this year, DP World published an economic impact study by EY on the role of its Dakar Container Terminal, noting that 31,000 Senegalese nationals have been supported by the companys activities with a 63% increase in Dakars imports and exports between 2010 and 2015 as a result of infrastructure investments.
Sulayem said: African nations are determined to develop their infrastructure to encourage trade and the growth of their economies. The region has major trade potential, especially for landlocked nations seeking gateways to the sea and connectivity between them will be key. The size of the region and their populations reinforces the need for multi-modal transport, logistics and customs capabilities across borders, and as our business moves the world across 40 countries we have the know-how to help in that mission. In addition, we are already part of Africas future sharing our experience on cargo movement across the continents supply chain and have the experience to deliver major projects there.
DP World is also investing in future generations with a focus on education and training in Senegal. Through the Global Education Programme, it is collaborating with local schools to help students learn about the trade and logistics sector. It has delivered 2500 training programmes in Dakar and also supported the building of a nursery school in MBam village, outside Dakar for the benefit of the local community.
Across Africa, DP World has operations in Senegal, Egypt, Mozambique, Djibouti, Algeria, and Somaliland, where it is developing 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 2016.