DHL commits €300 million to boost african trade

DHL Group will invest over €300 million in Sub-Saharan Africa to boost trade and logistics. The investment covers DHL Express, Global Forwarding, and Supply Chain. It will expand infrastructure, improve services, and create opportunities in e-commerce, perishables, energy, and healthcare.

The African Continental Free Trade Area is opening a single market and increasing intra-African trade. Cross-border flows remain strong, and African businesses are connecting to global value chains. Sub-Saharan Africa led all regions with a 10% trade increase in H1 2025. Trade is forecast to grow 4.3% annually through 2029, second only to South & Central Asia.

DHL Express will upgrade gateways, add aviation capacity, and expand coverage to second-tier cities. These cities are emerging demand hubs under AfCFTA. DHL’s air network will link them to Europe and Asia, supporting growth in Ethiopia and Nigeria. Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, said, “We aim to be closer to customers and make cross-border shipping simpler. Reliable transit times and consistent delivery help African businesses compete globally.”

DHL Global Forwarding will expand energy and industrial logistics, support agriculture exports with cold-chain solutions, and scale life sciences and healthcare services. Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Middle East & Africa, said, “We give clients clearer control over shipments, keeping goods moving predictably and efficiently.”

DHL Supply Chain will increase capacity and transport-led solutions. It will focus on life sciences, healthcare, and the transporter sector. Additional temperature-controlled capabilities will support critical healthcare flows and fast-moving fulfilment in South Africa. Orkun Saruhanoglu, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Middle East & Africa, said, “We help customers scale safely, improve service quality, and manage risks.”

DHL also supports SMEs through the GoTrade program, providing training and customs expertise. The company pilots renewable energy and alternative fuel projects and applies AI to monitor shipments, optimize routes, and streamline customs.

With unmatched coverage across Africa, DHL is linking the continent to global trade and supporting the next phase of growth.

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