Dubai Ports World (DP World) will build and develop a logistics free zone in Senegal, the port operator announced.

The facility will come up in the vicinity of the new Blaise Diagne International Airport on the outskirts of the Senegalese capital of Dakar, not far from the DP World-Dakar Terminal

This follows the signing of an MoU by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of DP World and chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), with the Senegalese government. 

Present were the UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and his Senegalese counterpart Mankeur Ndiaye. 

“Investing in the construction and development of the logistics free zone in the Blaise Diagne International Airport of Senegal is a new opportunity for us at DP World and PCFC,” said Bin Sulayem.

 He added that the investment was in line with the UAE’s vision to support growth and development in friendly countries, as directed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.”

“It is our long-standing commitment at DP World to provide our global expertise and potentials in port and free zone operation to help these countries build necessary infrastructure for trade and economic development, especially in the port industry where DP World is a global leader with an expanding portfolio of 65 terminals currently operated worldwide.”

STATE OF THE ART

According to Bin Sulayem, the new logistics free zone in Senegal is expected to be one of the most advanced and well-organised establishments of its kind in Africa and globally, using state-of-the-art equipment and technology in the operation and management of the zone. The project will also add new jobs for the Senegalese workforce, which would further boost economic growth and social welfare in the country.

“The new logistics free zone complements DP World’s leading investments in the DP World-Dakar Terminal, which stands as West Africa’s largest and most modern container terminal after a new terminal was built in the facility in November 2011, doubling capacity to over 600,000 teu,” noted Bin Sulayem.

“As a vital gateway to Senegal’s and West Africa’s growing trade and business sectors, DP World Dakar has created more than 200 jobs for local Senegalese people. Specialised training has been given to those terminal employees to level up their skillset and bring operational efficiencies in line with DP World’s global standards.”

Sheikh Abdullah expressed appreciation and support for the efforts being undertaken by DP World and the role it serves in advancing economic and commercial bonds between the UAE and the Republic of Senegal.

The Senegalese foreign minister praised DP World’s growth-oriented projects and investments in Senegal, saying they largely contribute to the upswing of the local economy.