A.P. Moller Capital through its Africa Infrastructure Fund, Olam International (Olam) and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) have agreed to invest in a Ports and Logistics platform in West Africa.

The transaction is subject to customary third party approvals and is expected to close over the coming months.

Kim Fejfer, Managing Partner and CEO of A.P. Moller Capital, said: “Investing in local infrastructure ecosystems of ports, trucking, warehouses and rails is investing in local prosperity. It creates jobs and opportunities in a region which is deeply dependent on investments and development.”

A.P. Moller Capital will have 43% ownership of the platform which is managed by ARISE Ports & Logistics, based in the UK.

Olam will own 31% and AFC 26% of the company.

At the outset, the focus will be on investing in and expanding the ecosystem in connection with an existing mineral and a general cargo port in Gabon as well as developing new infrastructure ecosystems in Mauritania, starting with a new multi cargo port in Nouakchott, and a new modern bulk port in San Pedro, Ivory Coast.

A.P. Moller Capital will partner with Olam and AFC, all of which come with extensive experience in investing and operating in Africa.

Olam is a global and leading food and agri-business player with a significant track record in agri-business and infrastructure projects in Africa.

AFC is a substantial and multi-lateral African financial institution addressing Africa’s infrastructure development needs.

A.P. Moller Capital has substantial experience in operating and developing infrastructure in connection with transport and logistics.

All parties subscribe to high ethical standards and a partnership that has the means to make a meaningful and positive impact in West Africa.

Jens Thomassen, Partner in A.P. Moller Capital, said: “As business partners we share a passion for enabling Africa to grow and develop, and we believe investments combined with high ethical standards and deep operational knowledge are key levers for such growth.”

ARISE Ports & Logistics will be a large shareholder in each ecosystem and will in most cases have other co- investors.

In both the mineral port, the general cargo port and the adjacent ecosystem in Gabon, one of the co-investors is the country’s public development institution, CDC Gabon.

Fejfer said: “In Gabon we are working together with local partners, who have been visionary in their mission to create a foundation for growth in Gabon. This is very inspirational for us.”

A.P. Moller Capital will be a very active and engaged investor in ARISE Ports & Logistics, starting with the appointment of Kim Fejfer as Chairman of ARISE Ports & Logistics.