Transforming trade in Sub-Saharan Africa

DP World's trailblazing endeavour

Our strategic investments and operational presence across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have played a crucial role in reshaping the region's trade environment. We proudly present a transformative narrative on how we are changing the dynamics of trade in Africa. 

Our substantial investment in Tanzania's Dar es Salaam Port exemplifies our commitment to altering the trade landscape in Africa. With an initial investment exceeding $250 million, potentially escalating to $1 billion, we have gone beyond financial contributions. This investment is a cornerstone in our strategy to foster socioeconomic development, create employment opportunities, and enhance service accessibility, thus fundamentally changing the traditional trade dynamics in the region. 

Our strategic partnership with Standard Bank, a prominent pan-African bank, further reinforces our dedication to SSA. The successful negotiation of a US$365.1 million facility agreement underlines our intent to expand logistics and market access across SSA, marking a significant shift in regional trade facilitation. 

Drawing from over 70 years of experience, DP World has crafted bespoke solutions tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in African markets. We have transcended the role of mere infrastructure developers, embedding our operations into the local economies and communities, thus becoming pivotal in their growth and in changing how trade is conducted in these regions. 

A clear indicator of our impact is our record-breaking operational efficiency at the Port of Dakar. Handling 76,282 TEU in one month, the highest since our inception in Senegal in 2008, exemplifies our capability to enhance trade efficiency significantly. 

Moreover, the inauguration of the Berbera Economic Zone (BEZ) in partnership with the Government of Somaliland marks a key milestone. The BEZ, along with the Port of Berbera, is poised to transform into a major trade hub in the Horn of Africa, serving over 140 million people. This development is not just a construction project; it is a transformative initiative to redefine trade in the region. 

Our services in SSA encompass Logistics, Market Access, Ports & Terminals, and more, underlining our expansive influence in the region. Our fleet, sales points, warehouse capacity, and port operations are unparalleled, illustrating our role in changing the trade dynamics across SSA. 

The impact of our operations in SSA contributes significantly to the projected growth in Africa’s GDP, highlighting our pivotal role in facilitating efficient trade and logistics solutions, which are integral to altering trade dynamics. 

Our commitment to SSA extends beyond business, with significant community engagement and social responsibility initiatives. These efforts, totaling over $17.5 million in charitable donations and community investments in 2022, with $4.9 million in the Middle East and Africa, are part of our strategy to influence a more equitable and sustainable society. 

Looking ahead, our continued dedication to expanding our operations in SSA, including developing special economic zones, enhancing rail-linked logistics platforms, and investing in cold storage for agricultural exports, aligns with our vision of revolutionising African trade. 

In conclusion, our role in SSA has been pivotal in transforming the traditional trade dynamics, not only by enhancing trade infrastructure but also by contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the region. This story is a testament to our transformative journey and the promising future we envision for trade in Africa.