DP World's Shipping Solutions AMEA business has launched the China Africa Link, a new weekly service aimed at strengthening maritime connectivity between China and East and Southern Africa. The service is set to commence in late November 2026 and will operate on a port rotation that includes Shanghai, Ningbo, and Nansha in China, as well as Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Maputo in Mozambique. This new service is part of DP World's efforts to expand its China-Africa shipping network.
The China Africa Link will provide additional connections between major Chinese export gateways and key African markets, supporting the movement of goods across established and emerging trade routes. The service will support the movement of a diverse range of goods, including machinery, electronics, and construction materials from China, as well as African exports such as agricultural products, minerals, and other commodities. This is expected to enhance market access and provide customers with greater choice and more resilient supply chains.
Ganesh Raj, Global COO of Marine Services at DP World, highlighted the importance of reliable connections and greater choice in the current global trade landscape. He emphasized that the new China Africa Link demonstrates DP World's Connected Trade Corridors approach, which brings together maritime solutions, ports, and inland transport to create more integrated and flexible trade networks. This approach aims to open up more opportunities for businesses and create smarter, more flexible shipping networks.
The launch of the China Africa Link complements DP World's significant investments in African trade infrastructure. In Mozambique, DP World is undertaking a $165 million expansion of its Maputo container terminal, designed to more than double handling capacity. In Tanzania, DP World has committed more than $500 million to modernizing the Port of Dar es Salaam. These investments demonstrate DP World's commitment to connecting port infrastructure with marine services to expand customer choice and strengthen regional connectivity.
The China Africa Link is expected to support growing trade flows and strengthen links between regional and international markets. By expanding shipping connections into key African gateways, the service will provide customers with additional routing options and support the continued growth of South-South trade. This is a significant development in the maritime industry, as it will enhance the connectivity between China and Africa, two of the world's most important trading regions.
The new service will operate on a port rotation that includes Shanghai, Ningbo, Nansha, Port Klang Westport in Malaysia, Dar es Salaam, Maputo, Singapore, and back to Shanghai. This rotation will provide a comprehensive network of connections between China, Africa, and other key markets in Asia. The service is expected to commence in late November 2026, and DP World is working to ensure a smooth rollout and efficient operations.
The launch of the China Africa Link is a significant milestone in DP World's efforts to strengthen its presence in the China-Africa trade corridor. With its comprehensive network of connections and commitment to expanding customer choice, DP World is well-positioned to support the growing demands of the global trade landscape. The company remains focused on delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers and support the continued growth of international trade.
Key points
- DP World launches China Africa Link to enhance maritime connectivity between China and Africa.
- The new service will support the movement of a diverse range of goods, including machinery, electronics, and construction materials.
- DP World's investments in African trade infrastructure, including a $165 million expansion in Mozambique and $500 million in Tanzania, complement the launch of the China Africa Link.
