UAE-based global marine terminal operator DP World is set to start construction on its integrated port, logistics and economic zone in Dakar, Senegal, by the end of 2018, said a top official.

The new Port Du Futur is aimed at providing seamless movement of cargo to neighbouring countries and over 200 million people in 16 landlocked African nations, said a statement from DP World.

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.

On completion, 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, remarked DP World Group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem after his meeting with Senegalese President Macky Sall.

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

The company will soon reach an agreement on land allocation for the associated freezone. It will also provide a master plan for redevelopment of the old port of Dakar, he noted.

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.

"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.

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.-TradeArabia News Service