DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem has 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 confirmed the plan for Port De 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.
Port de 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 country’s 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.
During his visit, Mr. Bin Sulayem also underlined the company’s commitment to supporting the economic growth of Senegal and developing Dakar into a major logistics hub and gateway.
“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 knowhow to help in that mission,” he said.
Further, during his tour, Mr. Bin Sulayem also met with the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, highlighting Ghana’s recent agreement with Dubai’s Customs World to supply customs clearing services in the country as an example of making processes more efficient, lowering costs for ports and transport providers and enabling more efficient trade flows.
Partnership and cooperation on the development of infrastructure and transport connections will enable Ghana and other western African nations to develop their economies according to Mr. Bin Sulayem.
