Angolan authorities have announced Africa Global Logistics (AGL) as the successful bidder for running the Lobito container and conventional terminals after an international call for tenders was launched in January.
AGL, which re-branded from Bolloré Africa Logistics in March, said in a statement this week that with the support of its owner, MSC, the newly awarded project will improve connectivity of the Lobito port platform to boost trade in the region and support industrialisation efforts.
“The Port of Lobito will be involved in the development of agricultural projects, construction sites and tertiary service companies,” AGL said.
The multinational freight forwarded said that Lobito, as Angola’s second largest port, is ideally positioned to play a strategic role in the global energy transition as the preferred Atlantic Ocean gateway to the copper belt region of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The port infrastructure will contribute to the transport of strategic minerals such as copper and cobalt to international markets.
“Through a €100 million investment plan, AGL is committed to increasing the attractiveness of the terminal and contributing to the economic and social development of the region.
“AGL will enable the Lobito port platform to play its role as a growth accelerator for Angola and the sub-region,” the company said.
This will improve productivity and substantially reduce the time it takes to transport goods to Europe and the Americas, while the port will benefit from its connection to the existing 1 300 km Benguela railway network, and to the future railway line to Zambia.
“We would like to thank the Angolan authorities for placing their trust in Africa Global Logistics’ project for the Port of Lobito.
“The authorities’ decision validates AGL’s strategy to be at the service of Africa’s transformation, as well as our willingness to address the continent’s challenges alongside our stakeholders,” said Philippe Labonne, president of Africa Global Logistics.
As part of this new concession, which will be effective in the first quarter of 2024, AGL will take over the staff of the Empresa Portuária do Lobito EP port authority.
The company will implement an extensive plan to develop the staff skills and the ecosystem of local subcontractors, to enable the port to offer services of international standards.
