Construction begins at DP World's $1.1bn port in Senegal

Senegal President Macky Sall on Monday, 3 January, laid the foundation stone for the construction of a $1.13bn deep-water port being developed by Dubai's state-owned port operator DP World at Ndayane, around 50km south of the capital Dakar.

DP World chairperson Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem speaks during an interview with Reuters on the opening day of Dubai Expo 2020, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates 1 October 2021. Reuters/Abdel Hadi Ramahi

DP World Dakar, a joint venture between the Dubai-based logistics provider and the Port Authority of Dakar (PAD), is the biggest private investment in the West African country, Sall said.

"We are ready for the structural transformation of our economy with this mega project," Sall said.

DP World has said the first phase will include 840 metres of quay and a 5km marine channel designed to handle 366-metre vessels, with a second phase adding 410 metres of container quay and further dredging to handle 400-metre vessels.

People enjoy the water while container ships park near the El Ain El Sokhna port before entering the Suez Canal, Egypt, 25 September 2020. Reuters/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

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DP World chairperson Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said his company would develop and operate the 300-hectare container terminal, as well as finance and design the land and maritime infrastructure.

"It represents a brighter future as this new port will bring greater economic growth, prosperity, and jobs," Sulayem said.