Global logistics outfit DHL Group has announced a €300+ million planned investment in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) across DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL Supply Chain.
The aim is to expand infrastructure, enhance service capabilities, and unlock opportunities. This involves businesses across key sectors including e-commerce, perishables, energy, and life sciences & healthcare in the region.
DHL Sub-Saharan Africa Operations
According to the latest update of the DHL Global Connectedness Tracker, Sub-Saharan Africa led all world regions in the first half of 2025. It achieved a 10% year-on-year increase in trade value (in current US dollars). This was ahead of North America at 7% and South & Central America, the Caribbean at 5%.
Current forecasts as of September 2025 indicate the region’s trade volume will grow by an average of 4.3% per year over 2025 to 2029. This is the second-fastest globally, behind South & Central Asia.
“Africa is at a pivotal moment in its trade journey. 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. By strengthening our network and capabilities, we aim to make it easier for African businesses, from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to large corporates, to compete on the world stage.” John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express said.
Hennie Heymans, CEO, DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa noted, “Our focus is to be closer to customers and make cross-border shipping simpler and more reliable. As trade expands, businesses are asking for predictable transit times, consistent delivery performance and support that understands local conditions. By raising the bar on service and proximity, we will help more African companies trade efficiently. They will have the chance to compete on a bigger stage.”
What Investment Will Cover
Across DHL Express, the investment will include upgrading gateways and adding aviation uplift. It will extend time-definite coverage into second cities that emerge as demand centres under AfCFTA. As the only integrator with a dedicated air network in Sub-Saharan Africa, Express will link these cities more tightly to Africa–Europe and Africa–Asia lanes. This is building on recent growth in Ethiopia and Nigeria.
DHL Global Forwarding will focus its investment on strengthening key industry solutions 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. It is enhancing cold-chain and perishables logistics for agriculture and horticulture exporters. Additionally, it is scaling its expertise in life sciences and healthcare with specialized temperature-controlled transport. These enhancements build on DHL’s established freight forwarding network and customs expertise. The focus is across major African trade lanes connecting the continent with Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
DHL Supply Chain will add capacity and transport-led solutions with a clear focus on the transporter sector and life sciences & healthcare. This includes additional temperature-sensitive capability to support critical healthcare flows. Fast-moving fulfilment will be enhanced as supply chains mature. This is particularly true as demand for third-party logistics services continues to grow in the core South African market.
DHL is also investing in programs that extend participation in trade and support sustainable growth. Through its GoTrade initiative, the company provides SMEs with training and customs expertise to access international markets. Additionally, the business is piloting renewable energy and alternative fuel projects across its facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is advancing digitalization through AI-enabled monitoring, route optimization, and digital customs tools to reduce friction in cross-border trade.
