DP World's Shipping Solutions has announced the launch of the China Africa Link, a new weekly service aimed at strengthening connectivity between the Far East and Africa. The service, scheduled to commence in late November 2026, will operate through the Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) business Shipping Solutions. This move is part of DP World's efforts to provide customers with greater choice, enhanced market access, and more resilient supply chains.
The China Africa Link will follow a specific port rotation: Shanghai (China) – Ningbo (China) – Nansha (China) – Port Klang Westport (Malaysia) – Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) – Maputo (Mozambique) – Singapore – Shanghai (China). This rotation 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 new service is a tangible example of DP World Marine Services' Connected Trade Corridors approach, which brings together maritime solutions, ports, and inland transport to create more integrated and flexible trade networks. By expanding shipping connections into key African gateways, the service will provide customers with additional routing options, support growing trade flows, and strengthen links between regional and international markets.
According to Ganesh Raj, Global Chief of Operations for Marine Services at DP World, global trade is changing, and customers need more than shipping capacity. They require reliable connections, greater choice, and the flexibility to adapt as trade patterns evolve. The China Africa Link demonstrates how DP World is bringing its Connected Trade Corridors approach to life by strengthening maritime connectivity between China and Africa.
The new service will support the movement of a diverse range of goods, including machinery, electronics, construction materials, and automotive components from China, alongside African exports such as agricultural products, minerals, and other commodities. This will facilitate trade between China and the growing markets of East and Southern Africa.
The launch of the China Africa Link complements DP World's significant investments in African trade infrastructure. In Mozambique, DP World is undertaking a US$165 million expansion of its Maputo container terminal, designed to more than double handling capacity. In Tanzania, it has committed more than US$500 million to modernizing the Port of Dar es Salaam.
The investments in African trade infrastructure, combined with the China Africa Link, demonstrate DP World's commitment to connecting port infrastructure with marine services to expand customer choice, strengthen regional connectivity, and support the continued growth of South–South trade. The company aims to create smarter, more flexible shipping networks that help keep cargo moving.
Key points
- DP World launches China Africa Link to strengthen maritime connectivity between China and Africa.
- The new service will provide customers with additional routing options and support growing trade flows.
- DP World invests heavily in African trade infrastructure to support the growth of South–South trade.
