AD Ports Group has signed a collaboration agreement with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), an infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, to address infrastructure gaps across the continent.

The agreement provides the basis for the two organisations to join forces on identifying, financing, developing and investing in much-needed ports, warehouses, maritime and logistics infrastructure projects across Africa.

Both parties will bring their technical expertise and strong financial capacity and networks to a range of development initiatives, focusing on brownfield and greenfield opportunities.

The collaboration agreement could provide vital support for ports and maritime facilities in Africa, which are often overstretched by growing demand for imported goods and export-driven industrial production facilities that require significant investment to modernise and increase capacity and enhance productivity.

According to a report from the African Union (AU), throughput at African ports will reach 2 billion tonnes by 2040, a major challenge when the current average dwell time - the time cargo spends at port - is around 20 days across the continent, compared to the global average of four days.

Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, “Some of the world’s fastest-growing economies are in Africa, necessitating the creation a new generation of ports and maritime facilities, supported by smart technology and enhanced freight infrastructure. We see a key opportunity to support African nations in their efforts to develop advanced trade hubs that can manage the rising volume of maritime commerce and deliver excellent connectivity. By working with AFC, we will look to prioritise projects that can make a lasting impact on the economies and communities of their respective nations, in-line with the direction of our wise leadership to support progressive development.”

Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, commented, “We are pleased to sign this collaboration agreement with AD Ports Group today, demonstrating the UAE’s ongoing enthusiasm to invest and deploy expertise in Africa.”

“By combining AFC’s specialist expertise and outstanding investment track record with AD Ports Group’s technical proficiency, I am confident that our collaboration will yield the development of some of the most advanced integrated ports and logistics platforms in Africa and the world at large. We look forward to a continued partnership as we work together to unleash Africa’s economic potential and transform lives on the continent.”

Meanwhile Abu Dhabi Airports announced the official ground-breaking of Bombardier’s new service centre for business aircraft, which is targeted to open in 2025 at the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), with the capacity to fit up to four Global 7500 aircraft.

The development of the new Bombardier MRO at Abu Dhabi International Airport is one of several key investments Abu Dhabi Airports is supporting with the ultimate goal of establishing Abu Dhabi as an active and dynamic business aviation hub.

This represents Bombardier’s first full-service facility in the UAE and builds on its long-term commitment to their customers in this critical market. At full capacity, the new OEM operated service facility (Original Equipment Manufacturer) will also add more than 100 aerospace jobs in the community, cementing Bombardier’s presence in the capital of the UAE. Once fully operational, the new facility should help Bombardier continue to expand and grow its aftermarket revenues beyond 2025.

Bombardier’s new Abu Dhabi Service Centre will feature a hangar, comprehensive parts depot and a complete suite of maintenance services, including scheduled and unscheduled heavy maintenance, aircraft modifications, paint modification, aircraft on ground (AOG) capabilities, and aircraft parking services.

Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports, commented, “Abu Dhabi Airports is pleased to welcome Bombardier to the UAE, home to its first full-service facility in the region. Located at Abu Dhabi International Airport, one of the fastest growing airports in the world, we have no doubt that Bombardier’s global aviation leadership, experience, and expertise will be a catalyst for invaluable service delivery and excellence, upon the facility’s official unveiling. We look forward to supporting Bombardier in the years ahead to witness the company’s contributions to business travel in the UAE and the region as well as the aviation sector and economy.”

The new facility will also be able to service the new Bombardier flagship of a new era, the Global 8000, when it enters service in 2025. The facility provides the ultimate maintenance solution for the region and worldwide customers of Bombardier’s Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft families.