Global logistics giant DP World has unveiled a transformative new trade infrastructure solution — the Brazil-Africa Link — a fully integrated, end-to-end logistics corridor that directly connects the Port of Santos in Brazil to key markets across the African continent, including Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa.
The corridor was officially launched at Intermodal South America 2026, held in São Paulo from 14 to 16 April, marking a significant development in South Atlantic trade relations and reinforcing DP World’s commitment to deepening logistics connectivity between emerging economies.
A Seamless Gateway Across the South Atlantic
The Brazil-Africa Link is engineered to provide exporters with a streamlined, cost-effective route from origin to destination, eliminating fragmented logistics chains that have historically driven up costs and transit times for businesses operating across both continents.
At its core, the corridor offers access to:
- Three major port terminals strategically positioned across the corridor
- 52 warehouses enabling storage, distribution, and last-mile fulfilment
- A fleet of over 4,250 vehicles supporting inland transportation across multiple regions
The integrated service model covers the full logistics chain — from cargo pick-up and freight forwarding at Santos to port handling, warehousing, and inland distribution at the African end. The solution is underpinned by DP World’s existing investments in port infrastructure, economic free zones, and digital technology across Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Lowering the Cost of Trade for Brazilian Exporters
A central objective of the Brazil-Africa Link is to significantly reduce transportation and handling costs for businesses — particularly exporters who depend on inland container movement. By consolidating previously disparate logistics functions under a single, integrated offering, DP World enables shippers to achieve greater predictability, efficiency, and cost control across the entire supply chain.
For companies in agribusiness, manufacturing, and commodities — sectors that form the backbone of Brazil’s export economy — the corridor offers a direct, reliable channel into African markets that have long been underserved by efficient logistics infrastructure.
Strategic Significance for South-South Trade
The launch of the Brazil-Africa Link comes at a time of growing strategic interest in South-South trade corridors — direct economic links between developing nations in the Global South that bypass traditional Northern intermediary routes. Brazil and Africa collectively represent significant and rapidly expanding markets across agriculture, energy, construction, and consumer goods.
By leveraging its established footprint across both continents, DP World is not merely offering a shipping route — it is delivering a scalable infrastructure solution that could reshape bilateral trade flows for years to come.
The move also aligns with broader regional ambitions: Angola and Mozambique are key gateway economies for southern and central Africa, while South Africa remains the continent’s most sophisticated logistics and financial hub.
DP World’s Expanding African and Brazilian Presence
DP World’s positioning to launch this corridor is the result of sustained, long-term investment in both geographies. In Africa, the company operates across a growing portfolio of port terminals, logistics parks, and economic zones. In Brazil, its assets span integrated port, transport, and warehousing solutions centred around the Port of Santos — Latin America’s largest and busiest cargo hub.
This infrastructure depth is what sets the Brazil-Africa Link apart from conventional freight arrangements: rather than simply booking cargo space, clients benefit from a fully owned, vertically integrated logistics ecosystem at both ends of the corridor.
DP World is a world-leading provider of end-to-end global supply chain solutions, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. With a workforce of over 119,000 professionals and a presence spanning more than 300 logistics offices worldwide, DP World operates one of the most extensive port terminal and logistics networks on the planet. The company’s portfolio encompasses cargo logistics, port terminal operations, freight forwarding, warehousing, and maritime services across six continents. DP World’s mission is to make the world’s trade flow better — transforming what is possible for the customers and communities it serves globally. For more information, visit www.dpworld.com .
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