The Port of Dakar is poised for a significant upgrade following the recent award of a 25-year concession to an international consortium led by Conti-Lines Group and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International. The €85 million investment, signed December 9, 2025, will focus on modernizing the Môle 4 terminal as part of the broader “Jambaar” project, aiming to enhance Senegal‘s capacity to handle breakbulk and agri-bulk cargo. This development reflects increasing interest in strengthening West Africa’s logistics infrastructure to support growing regional and international trade.
The Port of Dakar in Senegal is embarking on a major modernization project with the signing of a 25-year concession agreement with an international consortium. The deal, finalized on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, aims to significantly boost the port’s capacity and solidify its position as a key regional logistics hub in West Africa, a region seeing increased global trade and investment.
The consortium is led by Conti-Lines Group and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, and also includes the Spanish group Ership and AIG Marine & Terminal of Senegal. The agreement centers on developing a multi-purpose terminal at Môle 4 as part of the larger “Jambaar” project, managed by Jambaar SA.
The project represents a total investment of 85 million euros and will focus on transforming Môle 4 into a modern facility dedicated to handling breakbulk and agri-bulk cargo. Plans include a complete overhaul of existing infrastructure, the installation of new quay cranes and conveyor belts, and expanded storage capacity, according to published reports.
Modernization, Automation, and Skills Development
A key component of the Jambaar project is the automation of operations and improvements to cargo handling performance, aiming to bring the terminal to a high operational standard. The consortium is also prioritizing workforce development, with planned investments in training, apprenticeships, and the transfer of technical expertise to local personnel.
“The Jambaar project illustrates the maturity of Euro-African cooperation,” said Gregory Brion, co-CEO of Conti-Lines Group. “It is the culmination of three years of collaboration between partners rooted in their respective territories, but united by a common vision: to build a modern, efficient, and sustainable breakbulk and agro-bulk infrastructure serving the development of West Africa.”
Expanding Maritime Corridors
Beyond upgrading operations at Dakar, the Jambaar project aims to enhance Senegal’s and the sub-region’s maritime connectivity. The initiative includes establishing regular shipping routes connecting the Port of Dakar to a network of regional and West African ports.
A second phase will focus on developing maritime corridors to the ports of Kaolack and Ziguinchor, followed by a third stage dedicated to rehabilitating these regional port infrastructures. A framework agreement covering these future developments was signed concurrently with the concession agreement.
Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International & APEC, believes the modernization of Môle 4 will significantly strengthen Dakar’s position as a regional logistics hub, laying the groundwork for logistical solutions tailored to future needs. The Jambaar terminal is expected to be operational during the first half of 2026.
