DP World concluded its acquisition of South Africa’s Imperial Logistics after all conditions, including regulatory approval, were met, in a move that will strengthen the ports operator’s position in Africa. Imperial Logistics has a significant presence in Africa, a market where trade is expected to grow at more than twice the GDP, driven by population growth, accelerated urbanization, and rising middle classes. DP World is one of the world’s biggest operators of marine ports and inland cargo terminals, with gateways from London and Antwerp as well as hubs in Africa, India, Russia, and the Americas. The Dubai-based company has been on an acquisition spree as it attempts to become a more diversified and integrated logistics company.
Combining DP World’s world-class infrastructure, specifically its investment and expertise in ports on the African continent, with Imperial’s logistics and market access platforms will enable us to offer integrated end-to-end solutions along key trade lanes into and out of Africa. The move builds on DP World’s significant expansion across Africa in recent years with its investments in seaports, terminals, and logistics services as it seeks to tap lucrative trade routes in the region. It currently has projects in Egypt, Algeria, Djibouti, Rwanda, Somaliland, Mozambique, and Senegal. The investment of more than $1 billion in two phases to develop the port is also the largest single private deal in the history of Senegal.