Türkiye expands port strategy in Africa as Alport takes over Malabo and Bata Ports

Türkiye is expanding its presence in Africa’s maritime and logistics infrastructure with a new step. Alport, the global port operations brand of the Türkiye-based Albayrak Group, has officially taken over the operations of Malabo and Bata ports, the two main maritime gateways of Equatorial Guinea.

Following nearly two years of negotiations and mutual visits, the concession agreement signed on November 13, 2024, has now entered into force. With the completion of the transition process, port operations were officially transferred to Alport Equatorial Guinea as of April 1, 2026.

A ceremony marking the handover was held in the capital, Malabo. After an official reception at the Presidential Palace, a special event took place at the Prime Minister’s Office, attended by senior government officials, members of the Turkish diplomatic mission, and representatives of the Albayrak Group.

Participants included Equatorial Guinea’s Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua, Transport Minister Honorato Évita Oma, and Holding GE CEO Patricia Mbasogo Obiang Lima. Representing Türkiye were Ambassador Ahmet Ergin, Deputy Ambassador Ayşe Ece Bıçakçı, Consul Başak Dalgın, and embassy staff.

From the Albayrak Group, Vice Chairman Nuri Albayrak, Board Member Faruk Albayrak, Alport Ports General Coordinator Mustafa Levent Adalı, and Country Manager Ali Fuat Ustahaliloğlu attended the ceremony. Under the concession agreement, Alport will operate, modernize, and develop the Malabo and Bata ports for 25 years.

Strategic Gateway in the Gulf of Guinea

Located along the Gulf of Guinea, the ports of Bata and Malabo are considered critical maritime trade hubs for Central Africa. Alport aims to enhance access for landlocked countries such as Chad and the Central African Republic, while also strengthening trade routes extending to northern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The development of these ports is expected to contribute to the creation of new logistics and trade corridors across Central Africa.

Türkiye Expands Global Port Network

The acquisition of Malabo and Bata ports marks another step in Türkiye’s growing influence in global port operations through private sector investments. The Albayrak Group began its port operations with Trabzon Port in Türkiye and later expanded internationally under the Alport brand.

The company entered the African market in 2014 with the Port of Mogadishu in Somalia, followed by ports in Conakry (Guinea), Banjul (Gambia), and Pointe-Noire (Republic of the Congo). According to World Bank data, the ports of Mogadishu and Conakry have been ranked among the best-performing ports in their subregions in recent years, reinforcing Alport’s international success.

Beyond Africa, Alport operates the Port of Baku in Azerbaijan, strengthening its presence along Eurasian trade routes.

The company also recently signed an agreement with the Türkiye Wealth Fund to operate the general cargo and container terminal of İzmir Alsancak Port. The partnership aims to modernize the port and increase its capacity, positioning it as a key hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Multi-Sector Turkish Investments in Africa

In addition to port operations, the Albayrak Group is active in multiple sectors across Africa. Its projects include construction in Somalia; agriculture, urban transport, and waste management in Guinea; waste management services in two cities in the Republic of the Congo; and textile production in Morocco. The group also holds investments in Libya, Gambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Experts note that Türkiye’s expanding port investments in Africa play a key role not only in trade but also in strengthening strategic logistics networks and establishing new trade corridors.

The takeover of Malabo and Bata ports by Alport is seen as a significant milestone in Türkiye’s growing port and logistics strategy across Africa.