French shipping company CMA CGM has signed a partnership agreement with the Kenyan government to develop a new container terminal at the Port of Mombasa, with an investment of €700 million. The deal was announced on May 11, 2026, during a ceremony in Nairobi attended by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The terminal will be built on a 40-hectare site and is expected to increase the port's capacity by 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2027, with completion targeted for 2030. CMA CGM will operate the terminal under a 25-year concession.
This investment is part of France's broader strategy to strengthen economic ties with Africa. President Macron stated that the project reflects French confidence in Kenya's economic potential. CMA CGM CEO Rodolphe Saadé said the terminal will enhance connectivity for East African landlocked countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
The Port of Mombasa is East Africa's largest and handles over 1.4 million TEUs annually. The new terminal aims to reduce congestion and improve efficiency, supporting Kenya's goal of becoming a regional logistics hub. The project is expected to create 5,000 direct jobs during construction and 2,000 permanent positions once operational.
