BUA Group, one of Africa’s leading industrial and agro-processing conglomerates, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group to explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The agreement was formalised at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The tripartite MoU seeks to create a world-class platform that enhances regional food security, supports industrial diversification, and strengthens the UAE’s position as a global manufacturing and trade hub. It will leverage the partners’ complementary strengths BUA Group’s industrial and logistics expertise, AD Ports Group’s world-class port infrastructure, and MAIR Group’s strategic investment capacity.
Under the proposed collaboration, agricultural commodities primarily sugar will be aggregated, processed, stored, and refined, with advanced logistics and export channels developed around Khalifa Port in the UAE. The initiative aims to reduce supply-chain inefficiencies, enhance traceability and product quality, and establish predictable trade corridors between West Africa, the Gulf region, and Asia.
The project aligns with the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, which focuses on building resilient food systems and reducing dependency on imported finished food products, and also supports Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda by enabling value addition and expanding export markets.
Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, described the MoU as a “milestone in BUA’s international expansion” and said the partnership reflected a shared vision for sustainable food production and logistics solutions that will strengthen regional supply chains.
The MoU lays the foundation for a strategic food corridor that could transform sugar processing and agro-industrial trade between Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. While no binding financial commitments have yet been announced, the parties will advance discussions toward formal joint venture arrangements. The signing has also been welcomed by Nigerian authorities as a sign of growing Nigeria-UAE economic cooperation and international confidence in Nigerian enterprises’ ability to compete globally.
