Adani Ports Eyes South Africa in Renewed Global Expansion Drive

India’s largest private port operator, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), is setting its sights on South Africa as part of a renewed international growth strategy. This move comes as South Africa grapples with failing rail and port infrastructure that has severely impacted exports — an opportunity Adani Ports is eager to capitalize on.

“We are evaluating port projects in South Africa to boost our presence in Africa,” said Karan Adani, managing director of Adani Ports, in an interview with Bloomberg News. He also confirmed that the company is exploring prospects in both East and West Africa.

A Strategic Comeback After a Tough Year

The international push marks a notable comeback for the Adani Group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, following a turbulent 2024. The group faced a series of global setbacks including:

• The U.S. Department of Justice’s bribery probe, which the group denies,

• Kenya’s cancellation of $2.6 billion in contracts,

• A withdrawal from Sri Lanka wind projects, and

• A decision to opt out of a $553 million U.S. loan for a Colombo port venture.

Despite these challenges, Adani Ports is leading a rebound — and Africa is now central to that plan.

Why South Africa, and Why Now?

The timing aligns with South Africa’s urgent infrastructure overhaul, as the government seeks to fix rail bottlenecks and port inefficiencies that have throttled key exports like coal, iron ore, and agricultural goods. Private sector participation — especially from seasoned operators like Adani Ports — could accelerate these upgrades.

Adani’s potential entry into South Africa could inject much-needed foreign capital and expertise, helping stabilise one of the continent’s most vital export systems.

Africa, Vietnam, and Beyond

Beyond South Africa, Adani Ports is expanding its footprint with:

• Existing international assets in Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Israel, and Australia,

• Upcoming investments in Vietnam, beginning small and scaling up gradually,

• A broader ambition to double overseas revenue to 15% of its portfolio by 2030.

Karan Adani also expressed optimism about India’s planned India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor as an alternate trade route to the Suez Canal. However, he acknowledged the real-world complications: “There are practical problems of customs and paperwork across four countries.”

Looking Forward

Adani Ports’ revived global strategy underscores a broader trend: emerging market players expanding into critical logistics infrastructure across Africa and Asia. While challenges remain — both geopolitical and regulatory — the group appears poised to play a larger role in shaping the future of maritime trade.

As South Africa works to rebuild its infrastructure, partnerships with experienced global operators like Adani could turn the tide — and reshape the logistics map of the Global South.

{Source: Money Web}

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