Global logistics company DHL Group has announced a €300+ million planned investment in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
The multi-year initiative will be deployed across DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL Supply Chain to expand infrastructure, enhance service capabilities, and unlock opportunities for businesses across key sectors.Across DHL Express, the investment will include upgrading gateways, adding aviation uplift and extending time-definite coverage into second cities that are emerging as demand centres under AfCFTA.According to the latest update of the DHL Global Connectedness Tracker, Sub-Saharan Africa led all world regions in the first half of 2025 with a 10% year on year increase in trade value (in current US dollars), ahead of North America at 7% and South & Central America, Caribbean at 5%.
“Despite global volatility, the continent continues to show resilience and momentum. Our investment reflects confidence in Africa’s trajectory and DHL’s commitment to enabling the trade flows that drive inclusive growth,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express.
DHL Global Forwarding will focus its investment on strengthening key industry solutions that are driving Africa’s trade growth. The division is expanding its capabilities in energy and industrial projects, supporting Africa’s role in the global energy transition; enhancing cold-chain and perishables logistics for agriculture and horticulture exporters; and scaling its expertise in life sciences and healthcare with specialized temperature-controlled transport.
“Customers are navigating shifting trade patterns and tighter regulatory requirements, so reliability and visibility matter more than ever,” Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Middle East & Africa said.
DHL Supply Chain will add capacity and transport-led solutions with a clear focus on the transporter sector and life sciences & healthcare, including additional temperature-sensitive capability to support critical healthcare flows and fast-moving fulfilment as supply chains mature.