At a time when Africa is accelerating efforts toward economic growth and deeper regional integration, DP World says the continent’s future depends on turning ambition into action through major investment in infrastructure, connectivity, and integrated trade ecosystems.

The global leader in end-to-end supply chain solutions, is championing a unified trade system as a key driver of long-term competitiveness and prosperity, including in Kigali.

Speaking during a high-level side event on the margins of the Africa CEO Forum 2026 in Kigali, DP World executives and African leaders said "Africa already has the potential”, the market and resources needed to compete globally, but "still suffers from high trade costs, weak infrastructure and fragmented systems.”

Discussions focused on how connected trade ecosystems could unlock prosperity while reducing logistics costs, which remain among the highest globally.

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Call for integration and lower logistics costs on the continent

Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and Managing Director, Africa overseeing DP World’s logistics, ports and terminals, and market access businesses across 50+ African markets, said Africa’s biggest opportunity lies in integration and confidence in its future.

"Our purpose and vision as an organisation is to enable global trade and be part of its strategy,” he said. "We believe in Africa. The time is now for Africa, and platforms like this take us to the next level.”

He noted that supply chain inefficiencies continue to weigh on African economies, with logistics costs reaching up to 40 per cent of product value in some cases.

Billions committed to Africa’s logistics expansion

DP World’s Africa portfolio generates more than $3.5 billion annually. The company has already invested nearly $3 billion across the continent and plans to inject a similar amount over the next three to five years into ports, logistics hubs, and transport connectivity projects.

These investments aim to create critical trade "nodes” to improve market connectivity.

AfCFTA seen as key growth opportunity

The Kigali meeting brought together senior government officials, policymakers, and global business leaders, including Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Willem van Der Spuy, representing South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

Participants noted that despite global economic challenges in 2025, African economies have shown resilience, with improved sovereign ratings and stronger growth in several countries.

They highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a $3.4 trillion economic bloc, as a major opportunity to expand manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and services.

However, intra-African trade remains low at about 15 to 18 per cent of total trade, while Africa accounts for only 2 to 3 per cent of global trade.

Beyond infrastructure: fixing border inefficiencies

DP World said Africa’s trade challenge goes beyond infrastructure to include regulatory barriers and inefficient border systems.

In many markets, fragmented customs procedures, manual processes, and delays continue to increase logistics costs, even where infrastructure is strong.

Rwanda as a model logistics hub

"Kigali is a very good example,” Akoojee said, citing improvements in Rwanda’s logistics performance.

DP World has operated the Kigali Dry Port since 2016, helping position Rwanda as a regional logistics hub for East and Central Africa. It has also expanded its footprint with Rubavu Logistics Hub, improving connectivity with eastern DR Congo and the Great Lakes region.

Akoojee said that before the Kigali logistics platform, cargo clearance could take up to 14 days. This has now reduced to about four days, cutting costs, improving competitiveness and with significant financial benefit for the economy.

"It used to take 14 days for trucks to come out of Kigali before we put up the DP World Kigali platform. Now, it takes four days,” he said.

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Digitalisation and integrated trade ecosystems

DP World said infrastructure gains must be matched with digital systems and improved connectivity to fully reduce delays and costs across Africa.

The company also highlighted Rwanda’s growing role as a strategic logistics hub linking East Africa’s coast to inland markets through modern infrastructure and digital trade systems.

Global footprint and community impact

Globally, DP World handles more than 108 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs)—about 10 per cent of world trade—across more than 85 countries.

In Africa, it operates in 50+ countries and employs over 28,000 people across ports, logistics, marine services, and economic zones.

Beyond trade infrastructure, DP World said its investments also support communities. In Kigali’s Kabeza area, the company recently built a community bridge to improve access to essential services.

Toward connected trade ecosystems

Forum participants emphasised that Africa’s future depends on shifting from isolated projects to integrated trade ecosystems where ports, corridors, industrial zones, and digital platforms function seamlessly.

"Trade does not operate in silos,” said Akoojee. "It depends on connected journeys across ports, corridors, borders and markets – as DP World, this is where we play our part to connect Africa and the world.”