DP World launches Digital Port Community System in Mombasa

DP World has initiated the rollout of its advanced Port Community System (PCS) in Kenya, marking a significant step forward in enhancing trade efficiency and transparency in the region

The Port of Mombasa, serving as a key gateway for over a dozen landlocked nations in East and Central Africa, handles a substantial portion of regional imports and exports. Strengthening its digital capabilities is therefore essential to boosting Africa’s trade competitiveness.

The PCS was developed in partnership with EMEA Port Logistics and implemented with support from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Government of Kenya. While DP World does not operate the port, the system provides all port users, public and private, with improved cargo visibility, enhanced operational efficiency, and faster clearance processes.

“Digitisation is no longer optional; it’s essential for unlocking the full potential of African trade. By introducing this platform in Kenya, we are connecting Africa’s ports to the digital economy and setting a new regional benchmark for digital integration and transparency,” stated Mahmood Albastaki, chief operating officer of Digital Trade Solutions at DP World. 

The PCS offers importers, exporters, freight forwarders, transport companies, and customs agents access to a comprehensive suite of digital tools, including cargo tracking, gate booking, billing, payments, and real-time status updates.

Once fully operational, the system is expected to reduce cargo clearance times by up to 30%, improving turnaround for more than 3,000 port users annually. For the Kenya Ports Authority, the PCS will facilitate smarter gate management, better control over cargo movements, and shorter dwell times, reinforcing Mombasa’s status as a leading maritime hub connecting East and Central Africa to global markets.

Jack Rono, Director of EMEA Port Logistics, added, “This partnership with DP World marks an important step in advancing Kenya’s logistics capabilities. Together, we’re creating a connected and transparent ecosystem that benefits all players in the trade chain.”

The Kenya PCS complements DP World’s expanding digital trade network across Africa, linking key corridors from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans to inland logistics hubs. It also supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 objectives to modernise trade infrastructure and foster a digitally enabled economy.

The PCS builds on DP World’s recent collaboration with the Government of Kenya via the eCitizen platform, which promotes the digitalisation of customs and government services, driving a more efficient, transparent, and data-driven trade environment.