Source : WAM
AD Ports Group has secured a U.S.$115 million project finance facility to support the development of the Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal in Egypt, underlining the Group’s ongoing commitment to expanding critical port and logistics infrastructure in its key international markets.
The financing, backed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and with participation from National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt (NBK – Egypt) along with other institutional investors through the IFC-managed co-lending portfolio program, has a 15-year tenor and reflects strong international confidence in AD Ports Group’s operational capabilities and Egypt’s strategic role in the global supply chain.
The facility has obtained all required approvals, with financial close expected in Q1 2026, subject to customary conditions.
This funding aligns with AD Ports Group’s strategy to leverage long-term, multilateral-backed financing for the delivery of strategic infrastructure assets in emerging markets.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, “This IFC-backed project finance facility reflects our prudent approach to funding long-term infrastructure assets in emerging markets through multilateral and institutional partnerships. The participation of IFC, NBK – Egypt, and other international investors supports the development of the Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal and reinforces our growing presence in Egypt, a market of strategic importance to the global supply chain. Guided by the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership, we remain focused on delivering resilient, infrastructure assets that enhance connectivity, support sustainable economic growth, and create long-term value for our stakeholders.”
Makhtar Diop, Managing Director, IFC, said, “Enhancing trade is key to stimulating economic development, this transaction demonstrates how IFC can be a strategic enabler for South-South investments. The project will strengthen Egypt’s position as a central trade hub, lower costs for local businesses and create high-quality jobs, while also reinforcing the UAE’s position as a regional growth engine and a partner for deeper economic integration.”
Yasser El Tayeb, Vice Chairman, CEO & Managing Director, NBK – Egypt, said: “This landmark financing underscores NBK – Egypt’s commitment to supporting strategic infrastructure projects that drive sustainable economic growth along with having environmental impact reducing the CO2 emissions. Our collaboration with IFC and AD Ports Group reflects our confidence in Egypt’s logistics sector and its long-term potential.”
The U.S.$200 million Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal, located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, is set to become the first internationally operated port terminal in Upper Egypt.
The terminal is part of AD Ports Group’s broader strategy to develop and operate high-performance port assets along high-growth trade corridors, particularly in Egypt, which has emerged as one of the Group’s most important international markets.
AD Ports Group’s investments in Egypt span container shipping, terminal and stevedoring operations, maritime agency services, and cargo handling. The Group is also developing cruise terminals at Safaga, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh. In 2025, it expanded further by entering a 50-year renewable usufruct agreement to develop KEZAD East Port Said, a 20 km² industrial and logistics hub at the Mediterranean gateway of the Suez Canal.
Strengthening its role as a trade facilitator across the Mediterranean and Red Sea, AD Ports Group recently acquired a 19.328% equity stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company (ALCN), one of Egypt’s largest container terminal operators.
The Group has also announced plans for a cash Mandatory Tender Offer to acquire additional shares in ALCN, which would secure majority ownership and operational control. ALCN operates two strategic Mediterranean terminals at Alexandria and El-Dekheila, complementing AD Ports Group’s expansion in Egypt while delivering strong financial returns.
