By Jayden Bagshaw
DHL Group’s announcement of a €300 million investment across Sub-Saharan Africa marks one of the largest private logistics infusions aimed specifically at unlocking export growth across multiple sectors. The programme targets expansion of regional warehousing capacity, the establishment of dedicated cold-chain corridors for perishables, enhancements to customs-clearing technology and significant upgrades to last-mile distribution networks in strategic hubs such as Nairobi, Lagos, Accra and Johannesburg.
DHL’s plan includes building temperature-controlled consolidation centres near major ports and airports to reduce post-harvest losses for exporters of fruit, vegetables and seafood. The investment also funds digital platforms to integrate supplier, carrier and customs data, reducing paperwork and enhancing traceability for exporters seeking to meet international buyer standards. For exporters of pharmaceuticals and high-value agricultural inputs, the improved visibility and guaranteed temperature control will be critical for entering regulated markets in Europe and Asia.
The company is partnering with local logistics providers and government agencies to accelerate adoption of e-manifest systems and pre-clearance procedures, which shorten dwell times at ports and enable exporters to meet tighter delivery windows. DHL has committed to capacity-building programmes for small and medium-sized exporters, including training on export documentation, packaging and market compliance. By addressing both physical and digital bottlenecks, the investment is positioned to catalyse export diversification and support the operationalisation of AfCFTA-era trade flows.