JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 15, 2025 — DHL Group (www.DHL.com), the world’s leading logistics provider, has announced plans to invest more than €300 million in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), reaffirming its long-term commitment to a region playing an increasingly strategic role in global trade.
The investment will be channelled through DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL Supply Chain, expanding logistics infrastructure, boosting trade capacity, and unlocking opportunities across sectors such as e-commerce, perishables, energy, and life sciences & healthcare.
DHL Group Strengthens Africa’s Trade Ecosystem
The announcement underlines DHL Group’s commitment to Africa as the continent moves toward greater economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The agreement seeks to expand intra-African commerce and deepen the region’s connections to global markets.
According to the latest DHL Global Connectedness Tracker, Sub-Saharan Africa led all world regions in early 2025 with a 10% year-on-year increase in trade value, outpacing North America (7%) and South & Central America (5%).
Forecasts suggest the region’s trade volume will grow by 4.3% annually from 2025 to 2029, marking it as the world’s second-fastest trade growth hub after South & Central Asia.
“Africa is at a pivotal moment in its trade journey,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express.
“Despite global volatility, the continent continues to demonstrate resilience and promise.
Our investment reflects confidence in Africa’s growth trajectory and DHL Group’s mission to connect businesses—large and small—to global opportunities.”
Expanding DHL Express Capabilities Across Sub-Saharan Africa
The DHL Group investment will see DHL Express upgrade gateways, expand aviation capacity, and extend time-definite delivery coverage to emerging secondary cities that are becoming new trade centres under AfCFTA.
“Our focus is to make cross-border shipping simpler, faster, and more reliable,” said Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.
“As trade expands, African businesses need predictable transit times and consistent delivery performance.
By strengthening our service network and proximity to customers, DHL Group is ensuring African enterprises can compete globally with confidence.”
DHL Global Forwarding Focuses on Key Growth Industries
DHL Global Forwarding will concentrate its share of the investment on critical sectors driving Africa’s economic rise. These include:
Expanding energy and industrial project logistics to support the continent’s energy transition.
Enhancing cold-chain and perishables logistics for agriculture and horticulture exporters.
Scaling life sciences and healthcare solutions through advanced temperature-controlled transport systems.
“Trade dynamics are evolving rapidly,” said Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Middle East & Africa.
“We’re equipping our customers with stronger visibility, reliability, and control over their supply chains.
With DHL Group’s expertise and digital innovations, clients can navigate shifting regulations and seize new growth opportunities.”
DHL Supply Chain Expands Logistics Capacity in South Africa
DHL Supply Chain will add capacity and enhance transport-led solutions to meet rising demand in the life sciences, healthcare, and transport sectors.
With South Africa’s economy expanding and supply chains maturing, the division will invest in temperature-sensitive logistics, contract warehousing, and third-party transport services to support faster fulfilment and efficient last-mile delivery.
“As supply chains evolve, businesses need flexible, reliable logistics partners,” said Orkun Saruhanoglu, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Middle East & Africa.
“By strengthening infrastructure and applying our operational expertise, DHL Group will help customers scale sustainably while maintaining service quality.”
Empowering SMEs and Driving Sustainable Trade
Through its GoTrade initiative, DHL Group is helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access international markets with training and customs expertise.
The company is also advancing green logistics by piloting renewable energy and alternative fuel projects across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Digital transformation remains central to this mission, with investments in AI-enabled monitoring, route optimization, and digital customs tools to reduce friction in cross-border trade.
With its unmatched presence across all African markets, DHL Group is uniquely positioned to connect the continent’s businesses to global supply chains—driving the next chapter of Africa’s trade growth story.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DHL Express.
Media Contacts:
DHL Group – Media Relations
Jenna Rosmarin, Manager, Communications Africa
📞 +27 75 093 7286 | ✉️ [email protected]
DHL Group Global
📞 +49 228 182-9944 | ✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.Group.DHL.com/press
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About DHL Group
DHL Group is the world’s leading logistics brand, operating in more than 220 countries and territories with over 400,000 employees.
The company offers an integrated portfolio of logistics services spanning international express delivery, e-commerce, air and ocean freight, and supply chain management.
In 2024, DHL Group generated revenues of approximately €84.2 billion, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable global trade.
With a mission to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, DHL Group continues to deliver innovation-driven logistics solutions that connect people, businesses, and markets worldwide.
SOURCE: DHL Express
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