EBRD completes landmark exit from Giurgiulesti International Free Port with sale to Port of Constanta
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has completed the sale of ICS Danube Logistics, the operator of Moldova’sGiurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP), to Romania’s state‑owned Port of Constanța, which is now the sole owner of GIFP.
The transaction followed an extensive global mergers and acquisitions tender process run by the EBRD, with the aim of identifying a long‑term strategic investor committed to continuing development of GIFP and to strengthening Moldova’s integration into regional and global trade networks. Romania’s National Company Maritime Ports Administration SA Constanța (Port of Constanța) was selected as the preferred bidder following a rigorous competitive process and has now completed the acquisition of 100 per cent of the EBRD’s shareholding in ICS Danube Logistics.
As Moldova’s main maritime gateway, GIFP plays a critical role in maintaining supply chains and supporting economic stability, handling more than 70 per cent of the country’s waterborne imports and exports. The port’s strategic importance has grown significantly in recent years and it is well positioned to support regional trade and future reconstruction efforts in the wider region.
As the new owner, the Port of Constanța has committed to the long‑term development of GIFP, including investment aimed at expanding capacity, modernising infrastructure and strengthening the port’s role within European transport and logistics corridors. The transaction is also expected to reinforce economic and trade links between Moldova and Romania.
During the sale process, the EBRD worked closely with the authorities in Moldova and Romania to ensure compliance with national legislation and to secure an outcome that supports the port’s long‑term sustainability.
This exit marks a milestone in the EBRD’s involvement in GIFP, which began in 1995 with its support for the port’s construction and expanded into a role supporting the development of a now fully developed and strategically important maritime gateway, which is entering a new phase of long-term strategic ownership.
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EBRD supports modernisation of waste management in Benin
29.04.2026.16:58
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a sovereign loan of €35.5 million for Benin’s national solid waste management company, Société de Gestion des Déchets et de la Salubrité (SGDS).
The investment will support the upgrade and modernisation of municipal solid waste management infrastructure in the Grand Nokoué region. The project is being co-financed with the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Grand Nokoué, which is home to approximately 2.8 million people, currently relies on a landfill-based disposal model. The EBRD funding will help the region transition to a more integrated and sustainable, recycling-oriented model by introducing innovative green technologies and practices that will yield tangible benefits at scale, including an expected reduction in CO₂ emissions of more than 75,000 tonnes per year.
The investment will support improvements to SGDS’ manual sorting facilities, the construction of new sorting centres and composting plants, the installation of landfill gas collection systems, upgrades to leachate management systems, and a range of ancillary works at landfill sites. The loan will also enable the acquisition of waste collection trucks and containers, helping to improve operational efficiency and service coverage.
In addition, the EBRD will launch its first policy dialogue in sub-Saharan Africa’s infrastructure sector. The Bank will develop and implement an economic governance technical cooperation framework to support SGDS with operationalising a recently introduced household waste collection fee. In parallel, the technical cooperation will support SGDS in strengthening gender standards by developing and implementing an Equal Opportunities Action Plan to increase women’s participation in technical and leadership roles.
Dasha Dougans, EBRD Head of Benin, said: “This project embodies our commitment to accelerating green and resilient urban development and supporting Benin as it upgrades essential public services. Modernisation of the Grand Nokoué waste management system will bring long‑term environmental, social and economic benefits, building on the progress and transformation that started with the creation of SGDS a few years ago.”
Gilles Amoussou, SGDS’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “This project marks an important milestone for SGDS and for Benin’s transition towards a more modern, sustainable waste management system. Thanks to the partnership with the EBRD and EIB, we are strengthening the infrastructure needed to better serve the residents of the Grand Nokoué area.”
Benin became an EBRD shareholder in 2024 and a country of operation in July 2025. The Bank aims to invest in sustainable critical infrastructure in the country that will underpin private-sector development and support the modernisation and efficiency of enterprises. It will also work to help strengthen economic governance. This project is the second the EBRD has signed in Benin.
