• DP World to inject $2.5 billion into global logistics operations in 2025

• African priorities include ports in DRC and Senegal to expand regional footprint

• Strategy aims to compete with major operators and align with Emirati maritime goals

Emirati port operator DP World has announced a $2.5 billion investment plan for 2025, targeting strategic infrastructure upgrades across its global logistics network. A significant share of the funds will support the group’s expanding operations in Africa, where DP World is intensifying its efforts to establish a dominant presence.

Key projects include the construction of a deep-water port in Banana, Democratic Republic of Congo, where phase one is designed for an annual capacity of 450,000 TEU. The port aims to enhance the country’s maritime trade access and reduce its reliance on foreign ports.

In Senegal, DP World is continuing development of the Ndayane port, which is expected to handle 1.2 million TEU annually. The platform represents an initial investment of $830 million and is seen as a cornerstone of Senegal’s long-term economic strategy.

These projects are part of a broader plan to position DP World as a competitive force against well-established operators such as APM Terminals (Maersk), TIL (MSC), and AGL, the logistics successor to Bolloré Africa. The group already operates terminals in Mozambique, Angola, Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt.

DP World’s expansion aligns with efforts by other Emirati players, notably AD Ports, which is active in logistics corridors across Tanzania, Congo, and Egypt. This synergy reflects a larger strategy by the United Arab Emirates to consolidate maritime influence across Africa.

The surge in foreign-led port investments has also sparked debate over African nations’ capacity to manage their own infrastructure and industrial development. The continent’s food import bill, for instance, currently stands at $35 billion annually and could reach $110 billion by 2025, according to the African Development Bank.