The International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced on February 3, 2026, the establishment of a strategic partnership with Nuatum Ports – Safaga Terminal, an entity owned by the AD Ports group, based in the United Arab Emirates and a leading global player in the fields of commerce, industry, and logistics. This operation aims to strengthen Egyptian port infrastructure, boost trade, and generate sustainable jobs.
As part of this partnership, the IFC is mobilizing a total financing of $115 million to expand access to essential port services in Egypt. The investment is expected to create direct and indirect jobs, particularly in the sectors of commerce, construction, maritime transport, and logistics.
Specifically, the IFC is providing Safaga Terminal Operating Company with loans totaling $61 million, while also mobilizing a parallel loan of up to $54 million from the National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt. The operation is part of a joint loan portfolio managed by the IFC, with a maximum maturity of 15 years, demonstrating the growing confidence of international investors in the operational capabilities of the AD Ports group and the strategic role of Egypt in global supply chains.
In addition to financing, the IFC will also provide environmental and social (E&S) support to identify, mitigate, and manage risks in line with its international performance standards.
This partnership will support the development of a versatile terminal in Safaga, on the Red Sea, and increase the annual container handling capacity to around 450,000 TEUs. This expansion is expected to enhance trade flow and regional competitiveness, while improving the movement of agricultural and food products, construction materials, manufactured and industrial goods, as well as ores.
The project places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. The new infrastructure will be designed to the highest standards, including the electrification of container handling equipment such as quay cranes and rubber-tired gantry cranes. Furthermore, the development of coastal shipping will promote modal shift from road transport to sea, resulting in an estimated reduction of nearly 50,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year.
This initiative fully aligns with the World Bank Group’s partnership with Egypt, which aims to promote the creation of quality jobs in the private sector and support green, resilient, and inclusive economic development.
