Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi Ports Group announced today, Tuesday, the signing of an agreement with the Angolan Logistics and Shipping Regulatory Authority “Arkla”.
The goal is to develop a unified digital window for trade and logistics solutions
In addition to purchasing 30 new trucks and 45 trailers, worth up to 6 million US dollars.
This is to support its logistics operations in Angola, through Nwatom Unicargas Logistics Services.
The group also concluded five preliminary agreements with government and private entities in Angola.
The aim is to explore opportunities to enhance cooperation in the areas of maritime services and training.
In addition to logistics services, air cargo handling, and healthcare.
The agreements were signed by Ricardo Vegas de Abreu, Angolan Minister of Transport, and Mohammed Ayedh Al Menhali, Regional CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports.
This step comes within the framework of the continued expansion of the group’s activities in Angola.
It previously announced its commitment to allocate investments amounting to $250 million until 2026.
Through it, the “Nawatum Ports– Luanda Station” will be redeveloped and expanded.
Ricardo Vegas de Abreu expressed his aspiration, through this agreement, to strengthen relations with the Abu Dhabi Ports Group.
For his part, Captain Mohammed Juma Al Shamsi, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, said that the signing of these agreements comes within the framework of the group’s contribution. This aims at developing the Angolan capital, Luanda, to become a major center for supplying trade in the West African region.
Strengthening presence in Angola
It is noteworthy that concluding the Digital Unified Window Agreement for Trade and Logistics Services, and purchasing the truck fleet, would enhance the group’s presence in Angola.
Especially in the port of Luanda, which handles about 76% of Angola’s containers and general cargo.
It also provides maritime access to neighboring landlocked countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.
The Luanda terminal of Noatom Ports is a major starting point for Noatom Unikargas Logistics.
It is a joint venture 90% owned by the group, in partnership with local Unikargas. Unikargas operates one of Africa’s newest land transport fleets.
The addition of new trucks and trailers represents a nearly doubling of the truck fleet of the group’s Nwatom Unicargas Logistics Company.
This will bring the volume of operations to 70 trucks and 95 trailers.
On the other hand, “Technology Clip”, the digital arm of the Abu Dhabi Ports Group, in cooperation with the Angolan Logistics and Shipping Regulatory Authority “Arkla”, will develop the “Gol” unified digital platform for trade and logistics solutions. This platform is set to become the modern and integrated system for digitizing trade in Angola.
The Goal platform will simplify trade operations and customs procedures in Angola. This region is a promising commercial center in the Central West Africa region.
The platform will be developed in three phases under a three-year agreement.
With the unification of trade on land, sea and air, the Goal platform will integrate and simplify existing platforms.
Including the national network of logistics platforms, the unified port window, and the unified foreign trade window. It features a customs administration system.
Development of the “Gol” platform
The Goal platform will also be developed by leveraging the group’s internal expertise and competencies in platform development.
Which it strengthened through its acquisition of both T-Tech, which specializes in developing and using technology to improve customs and border operations. Additionally, Dubai Technology, which specializes in developing trade and transportation solutions, was acquired.
A framework agreement was signed with the Angolan Ministry of Transport.
Cooperation opportunities are being explored to establish a maritime academy in Angola. There are also plans to provide maritime and shipping services, and operate marine terminals and logistics platforms.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed with the National Maritime Agency of Angola. Through this, work will be done to establish a national maritime academy.
In addition to the group’s cooperation with Cecil Maritima SA, the Angolan Maritime Services Company, to discuss ways of cooperation in sea and shipping shipping services.
Regarding the joint venture “Doctor”, which was established in cooperation between the group and the Emirati medical services provider “Burjil Holding”. Opportunities for cooperation with the Ministry of Health in Angola will be discussed. The aim is to provide logistical services and strengthen the supply chain for transporting medical equipment, medicines, and health supplies throughout the country.
