Swiss billionaire Gianluigi Aponte’s AGL to manage Zanzibar port

Africa Global Logistics, a company controlled by Swiss billionaire Gianluigi Aponte and his wife Rafaela Aponte, has been awarded a contract for managing the Malindi Container Terminal at the Port of Malindi in Zanzibar.

Malindi Port is the primary entry point handling International Trade for the Islands of Zanzibar. About 95 percent of Zanzibar’s imports and export passes through this port.

The Malindi Port has the busiest passenger terminal in the East African Region, handling an average of 1.5 Million people annually.

Africa Global Logistics is the new name of Bolloré Africa Logistics. In December 2022, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), owned by Aponte and his wife, paid $6.1 billion to acquire Bollore Africa.

In late March, Bollore Africa Logistics changed its name to Africa Global Logistics (AGL). The new name and branding reveal took place by live-streaming from Bollore’s global head office, in France, on March 30.

AGL will be responsible for cargo handling operations and maritime services at the country’s main port infrastructure.

The official signing ceremony of the new management contract took place on May 18, 2023, in Zanzibar, and was attended by Khalid S. Mohamed, the minister of infrastructure communication and transport, Tony Stenning, regional director of Southern Africa at AGL, and Nahaat Mahfoud, CEO of Zanzibar Ports Corporation.

At the event, Stenning said the company is committed to implementing an investment program for the modernization and development of the Port of Malindi. AGL plans to construct a depot zone outside the port to alleviate congestion.

“We are going beyond operational improvements at this port, as we are determined to invest in its development, attract a greater variety of maritime lines, and stimulate trade volumes,” Stenning noted during the signing ceremony.

Because of AGL’s experience in port terminal administration, this deal will enable the country to have a modern infrastructure capable of ensuring imports and exports in circumstances of quality, security, and safety that meet international standards.

“The signing of this contract confirms our commitment to continue developing our portfolio of port concessions in Africa. It is a great opportunity for us and our partners in Zanzibar to develop the Port of Malindi and make it the gateway to Zanzibar,” Olivier de Noray, CEO of AGL Ports and Terminals, said.

AGL’s new presence will preserve all existing direct jobs and create hundreds of indirect employment opportunities for the residents of Zanzibar.

Training and developing skills for local talent are among the commitments made by AGL.