DP World has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ITOCHU Corporation, one of the largest trading firms in Japan, to enhance logistics, supply chain infrastructure, and distribution capabilities throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This agreement was formalized during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held in Yokohama, Japan. The signing involved Beat Simon, Group Chief Operating Officer of Logistics at DP World, alongside senior executives from ITOCHU Corporation, Dubai Media Office reported.
Under the terms of the MoU, both organizations will investigate opportunities to improve connectivity and market access across Africa, supporting Japanese enterprises looking to establish or expand their footprint on the continent. Initial discussions will concentrate on fleet and logistics operations, supply chain optimization, and the distribution of commodities and food products. DP World is active in 48 countries across the continent, boasting a comprehensive network of ports, terminals, and logistics assets, including warehouses and trucks. The company has already invested over $3 billion in infrastructure development, with an additional $3 billion earmarked for investment over the next three to five years. These investments are intended to stimulate economic growth, enhance intra-Africa trade, and better integrate African markets into global supply chains.
Building bridges for business
ITOCHU, headquartered in Tokyo, brings decades of experience in commodities, wholesale trade, and consumer goods across Africa. Its diverse portfolio encompasses textiles, machinery, energy, chemicals, foods, and general consumer goods, providing a robust foundation to assist Japanese businesses aiming to expand into Africa. Beat Simon remarked, “Africa represents one of the most dynamic growth frontiers for global trade. This collaboration with ITOCHU reflects a shared vision to unlock value by combining our infrastructure and logistics expertise with ITOCHU’s commercial experience to create deeper connections between Africa and Japan.” Shinya Ishizuka, CEO of Africa Bloc at ITOCHU Corporation, stated, “We hope that this collaboration will not only lead to further projects between the two parties, but also serve as a bridge between Japanese companies seeking to expand into Africa and the African market.”
The MoU signifies the initiation of a more profound partnership between DP World and ITOCHU, focused on reinforcing supply chains and promoting sustainable growth throughout Africa.
Expanding capacity in Africa
Further building on this strategic partnership, DP World announced in May 2025 a $2.5 billion logistics infrastructure investment program aimed at significantly expanding capacity across multiple continents, including Africa. This includes major projects such as the construction of a new deep-sea port at Banana in the Democratic Republic of Congo with a capacity of 450,000 TEUs annually. The Banana Port is anticipated to reduce trade costs and transit times, catalyzing economic activity in the region. In Senegal, DP World is investing $830 million in the Ndayane Port, a project set to enhance Senegal’s GDP by an estimated 3 percent and add up to $15 billion in trade value by 2035.
DP World’s existing operations in Africa are complemented by their recent 30-year concession agreement to operate Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Port, focusing on modernization and boosting logistics services for Tanzania and its hinterland. Investments in modern multi-purpose ports, state-of-the-art logistics hubs, and cold storage facilities underline DP World’s commitment to supporting Africa’s export-driven growth, especially in sectors like fresh produce and flowers, which rely on efficient and sustainable logistics.
