Logistics
DP World launches Brazil Africa logistics corridor
DP World has introduced a new integrated logistics corridor linking Brazil with Africa, aimed at improving trade connectivity between Latin America’s largest economy and rapidly expanding African markets
Named the Brazil-Africa Link, the new service was launched during Intermodal South America 2026 in São Paulo. It offers a fully integrated end-to-end logistics solution connecting export cargo from the Port of Santos to DP World’s operations in Angola and Mozambique, with additional support from its wider logistics network in South Africa.
Developed under a “one-stop shop” model, the corridor combines ocean freight services with inland logistics capabilities, allowing customers to manage their complete supply chain through one provider. The platform provides access to three port terminals, 52 warehouses and a fleet of more than 4,250 vehicles, helping improve efficiency, visibility and reliability across cargo movements.
The service is intended to support major Brazilian export industries such as animal proteins, agricultural commodities and consumer goods. It is designed to help exporters improve transit certainty, lower operational complexity and widen access to African markets.
Fabio Siccherino said, “This Brazil-Africa Link simplifies the journey for Brazilian exporters to a market with enormous growth potential. By integrating the entire logistics chain – from port of origin to final delivery – we reduce complexity, increase predictability, and enable our customers to unlock new business opportunities between Brazil and Africa.”
Mohammed Akoojee said: "The Brazil-Africa Link marks a transformative step in connecting Latin America's largest economy with high-growth markets across Africa. This integrated logistics corridor leverages our investments in port infrastructure, economic free zones, and digital technology across Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa to enable growth, create jobs, and deepen economic partnership between our continents."
Expanding integrated logistics in Brazil
DP World said it is continuing to strengthen its end-to-end logistics presence in Brazil through three strategic areas:
Ports and Terminals: The company operates one of Brazil’s leading multipurpose terminals at the Port of Santos, which serves as the foundation of its local operations and supports increasing container and bulk cargo volumes.
Freight Forwarding: DP World manages six freight forwarding offices across Brazil, providing multimodal transport services covering ocean, air and road freight, alongside warehousing, container freight station (CFS), insurance and customs clearance solutions.
Contract Logistics: The business is also expanding warehousing capacity through multi-client facilities in São Paulo and Espírito Santo, delivering integrated B2B services covering storage, distribution, reverse logistics and value-added solutions.
Strengthening Santos capacity
DP World is also investing further in capacity growth and operational capability at its Santos terminal, reinforcing its status as a strategic South American trade gateway. Following a record 2025, during which the terminal handled 1.3 million TEUs and 5 million tonnes of pulp, the company is advancing investments worth more than R$2 billion (approx. US$400 million).
These upgrades include quay expansion, new equipment, a new berthing pier and the development of a grains and fertilisers terminal in partnership with Rumo, with annual handling capacity of up to 12.5 million tonnes.
A further R$1.6 billion (approx. US$320 million) investment is expected to lift container handling capacity to 1.7 million TEUs by 2026 and 2.1 million TEUs by 2028.
DP World said these investments reinforce the infrastructure supporting the Brazil-Africa Link, connecting expanded Santos port operations with its African logistics network to create more resilient and dependable trade corridors between Brazil and fast-growing African markets.
Ceva and Lagos Free Zone redefine West African logistics
Lagos Free Zone has entered into a joint venture agreement with CEVA Logistics to strengthen integrated logistics capabilities in Nigeria and across the wider West African region
The agreement, recently formalised following approval from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, will see CEVA Logistics take a majority stake in the new entity.
The collaboration combines CEVA Logistics’ global expertise with Lagos Free Zone’s infrastructure and strategic positioning. It will establish the first warehouse in the zone operated by a global logistics provider, located within the free zone that hosts the Lekki Deep Sea Port. The facility is designed to support importers and multinational manufacturers seeking efficient access to regional markets.
Speaking on the strategic joint venture, the CEO and managing director, Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja said, “This partnership with CEVA Logistics underscores our commitment to creating a one-stop solution for manufacturing and trade businesses in Nigeria. By integrating Lekki Port, reliable industrial infrastructure, and efficient logistics solutions, we are building a logistics hub for West Africa. Collaborating with CEVA, a global leader in logistics, strengthens our ability to deliver on this vision.”
The development leverages Lekki Port’s modern infrastructure as a key gateway for goods entering West Africa. Businesses operating within the free zone benefit from duty-free export access to markets under the Economic Community of West African States, supporting more cost-effective and streamlined supply chains.
This advantage is further supported by the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel, a Nigeria Customs Service-approved corridor introduced in February 2026, which enables faster cargo movement between the port and the free zone, significantly reducing delays and associated costs while improving supply chain reliability.
In his remarks, the vice-President, Air and Ocean Product at CEVA IMEA, Jean-Baptiste Rambaud, stated, “We are proud to partner with Lagos Free Zone in this strategic venture. Our targeted investments in Nigeria reflect our commitment to providing uninterrupted logistics services to our global clients exporting to West Africa, including ECOWAS. This free zone warehouse is the final piece in creating a seamless logistics journey for goods and products from around the world to West Africa.”
He added that the partnership signals a new phase in logistics development for the region, supporting smoother trade flows into a fast-growing market. By combining global logistics capabilities with integrated local infrastructure, the joint venture is expected to enable businesses to focus on core operations while ensuring efficient movement of goods from international origins to destinations across West Africa.
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Hybrid green ferry launched on Gambia river
A new hybrid ‘green’ ferry has been commissioned in The Gambia as part of a sustainable transport project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB)
Designed with state-of-the-art hybrid technology, the newly ferry, named the Barra Ferry, is capable of carrying 1,000 passengers and over 50 vehicles across the River Gambia.
It represents a milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise river transport and is expected to improve connectivity between the country’s North and South Banks, cut travel delays and enhance the safety and reliability of ferry services relied upon daily by thousands of Gambians.
The new vessel forms part of the Banjul Port Expansion Project, a US$20.56mn scheme financed through the AfDB’s concessional window, the African Development Fund (ADF).
The commissioning ceremony, held in Barra, was presided over by Gambian President Adama Barrow, who underscored the strategic significance of transport infrastructure to his nation’s development.
“The socioeconomic wellbeing of The Gambia is closely linked to the strength of its domestic production base and its participation in regional and international trade,” he said.
“For this reason, the efficiency of our major trade gateways, such as the seaports, ferry services, airport, and telecommunications systems, remains fundamental to sustained economic growth and competitiveness.”
The River Gambia, stretching about 360 kilometres inland, divides the country into two, making reliable ferry services linking the North and South Banks indispensable.
For decades, the country’s ferry services have operated under intense constraints, amid growing demand from increasing vehicular traffic, freight movement and passenger volumes.
The new ferry’s energy-efficient design, cleaner propulsion systems and improved safety are expected to reduce emissions, lower operational costs and ensure safer and more reliable transport services.
The commissioning of the new ferry also underscores the AfDB’s strategic focus on promoting low-carbon transport and climate-resilient infrastructure, in line with development priorities.
“This ferry represents a transformative innovation in sustainable maritime transport,” added Lamin G. Barrow, director general for West Africa at the AfDB.
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