DHL Group said it will invest more than €300 million over several years to expand its Express, Global Forwarding, and Supply Chain operations across Sub-Saharan Africa, betting that the region’s trade growth – fueled by the African Continental Free Trade Area – will outpace much of the world.
The plan targets new gateways and aviation uplift for DHL Express, deeper coverage in fast-rising second cities, and added temperature-controlled capacity and transport-led solutions for DHL Supply Chain. DHL Global Forwarding will scale services for energy and industrial projects, perishables, and life sciences and healthcare, while leaning on customs expertise across Africa-Europe and Africa-Asia lanes.
“Africa is at a pivotal moment in its trade journey,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “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.”
Trade data has turned supportive. Sub-Saharan Africa led all regions in the first half of 2025 with a 10 percent year-on-year increase in trade value, according to DHL’s Global Connectedness Tracker. Forecasts as of September point to average annual trade-volume growth of 4.3 percent from 2025 to 2029, second only to South and Central Asia.
Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, said the focus is “to be closer to customers and make cross-border shipping simpler and more reliable,” adding that “by raising the bar on service and proximity, we will help more African companies trade efficiently and compete on a bigger stage.”
On the forwarding side, Amadou Diallo, CEO for the Middle East and Africa, said customers face shifting trade patterns and tighter rules. “We are strengthening forwarding solutions with deeper local expertise and enhanced digital tools,” he said. “The goal is straightforward: keep goods moving predictably and help customers capture growth where demand is emerging.”
DHL Supply Chain is adding capacity in South Africa and expanding temperature-sensitive logistics as outsourced, specialized services grow. “By adding capacity, strengthening transport-led solutions and applying our contract logistics expertise, we will help customers improve service quality, manage risk and scale with confidence,” said Orkun Saruhanoglu, the unit’s regional CEO.
DHL said it will also extend SME training through its GoTrade program and pilot renewable energy and alternative fuels at SSA facilities, while advancing AI-enabled monitoring, route optimization, and digital customs tools to reduce cross-border friction.
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