Gulf ports in Africa are multiplying as DP World and AD Ports expand from Senegal to the Congo, turning the UAE into a major player on the continent.
AFRICA · GEOPOLITICS
Key Facts
—New player: Gulf ports in Africa are expanding fast as the UAE’s DP World and AD Ports buy into harbours across the continent.
—Wide reach: Their footprint now spans South Africa, Tanzania, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola’s Port of Luanda.
—Into the minerals belt: In February 2026, AD Ports agreed to build a multipurpose terminal at Matadi on the Congo River.
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