DP World invests US$3 billion in Africa
Port operator DP World is expanding its presence in the global market. The UAE-based company plans to invest US$3 billion in terminal development in Africa, phased in until 2029.
According to DP World’s Mohammed Akuji, Africa is a promising region for developing logistics activities. Compared to other markets, prices for supply chains are high here, which is economically advantageous for the operator. The company is particularly interested in the countries of the continent south of the Sahara.
DP World is actively pursuing a strategy to expand its regional operations. It is already working to increase capacity at the Tanzanian port. It has assessed the capabilities of terminals in South Africa and Kenya and drawn up an action plan to modernise them.
Akuji stresses that the operator takes a long-term view of its African operations. As demand for minerals grows, the continent becomes increasingly essential in the global market. The development of electronics and electrification is driving copper sales, with Congo and Zambia acting as suppliers. Demand for lithium and cobalt is also rising steadily. In turn, the export of raw materials drives the logistics industry, and DP World aims to become one of the leaders in this sector in Africa.
The company’s other projects
It came into being in 2015 after two companies operating Dubai Ports merged. Since then, the operator has been actively expanding its geographical footprint. This makes it one of the most diversified companies in its sector. Its global market share is 6.7%. The company operates over 78 marine terminals and an industrial park in the JAFZA Free Zone.
The company operates in several regions, including Europe. In May 2024, DP World invested €130 million in a project in Romania. The funds will increase the volume of cargo transported by 2 million tonnes per year. The investment will be used for the following tasks:
– construction of a 12-acre terminal designed for heavy and oversized cargo;
– creation of a car terminal with a capacity of 80,000 cars annually;
– building of a 20-hectare logistics hub linking rail and freight connections;
– construction of a multi-transport platform.
The investment in the logistics centre will amount to €21 million. The operator has estimated the cost of the platform to be €50 million.
It is worth noting that DP World has been present in the Romanian market for more than 20 years. The company sees the country as a promising hub for communication with other European states.
