DP World, the UAE-based global marine terminal operator, has said that construction on its integrated port, logistics and economic zone in Dakar, Senegal, will begin by the end of 2018.

According to a top official, the new port – Port de Futur – is aimed at providing “seamless movement of cargo to neighbouring countries and over 200 million people in 16 landlocked African nations.”

Port de Futur will be a multi-purpose port with an economic zone and a logistics zone that will be adjacent to the new Blaise Diagne International Airport. It will allow for the creation of cargo and the movement of goods to support the country’s economic diversification, boosting non-resource exports.

Once complete, it will 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, said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World Group chairman and CEO, following a meeting with Macky Sall, the president of Senegal.

The DP World chief is in Senegal as part of a tour of West and North Africa to confirm the development of infrastructure projects in the country. The meeting was also attended by the Prime Minister of Senegal and senior government officials.

“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 know-how to help in that mission.

“In addition, we are already part of Africa’s future sharing our experience on cargo movement across the continent’s supply chain and have the experience to deliver major projects there,” noted the DP World chief.

He added that the company will soon reach an agreement on land allocation for the associated free zone. It will also provide a master plan for redevelopment of the old port of Dakar, he added.

Bin Sulayem said African nations are determined to develop their infrastructure to encourage trade and the growth of their economies. The region has major trade potential, especially for landlocked nations seeking gateways to the sea and connectivity between them will be key, he pointed out.

Across Africa, DP World has operations in Senegal, Egypt, Mozambique, Djibouti, Algeria and Somaliland where it is developing a multi-purpose port project at Berbera.

It also secured a 25-year concession to develop and operate a new logistics centre in Kigali, Rwanda at the beginning of 2016, he added.