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DHL study flags Africa’s growing integration with the global economy

Africa's growing integration into global markets (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Sub-Saharan African economies are strengthening their integration into global trade and investment flows, according to the latest DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026

It highlights the region’s growing relevance in international commerce despite heightened geopolitical tensions and global trade uncertainty.

“As supply chains across the globe continue to develop and trade routes expand into new territories, connectedness is emerging as a key differentiator for businesses and nations alike,” said Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub‑Saharan Africa.

“The countries in our region that are strengthening their global links are becoming more visible in international trade networks,” he noted, adding that Africa is “increasingly shifting from a narrative of aid to one of trade.”

The report, produced by DHL in partnership with New York University Stern School of Business, draws on more than nine million data points tracking global flows of trade, capital, information and people.

It found that global connectedness reached 25% in 2025, matching a record high first achieved in 2022.

Several countries are emerging as notable long-term improvers.

Namibia ranks among the top three globally for increases in connectedness since 2001, while Mozambique also features among the strongest performers over the same period.

More recent gains have been recorded in Nigeria and Zambia, which have posted some of the largest improvements since 2022.

Beyond trade and investment, the report notes a strong recovery in cross-border movement of people following the pandemic.

UN data shows that Africa recorded a 17% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2025 compared with 2019, the second-largest increase among world regions after the Middle East.

In the report’s latest ranking of 180 economies, South Africa placed 53rd globally.

Other African economies with relatively strong positions include Seychelles (40th), Mauritius (65th), Namibia (68th), Ghana (97th), Nigeria (100th), Mozambique (107th) and Kenya (119th).

“To fully unlock this potential, the region needs strong regional connectivity, predictable cross-border processes and partners that understand both local conditions and global trade requirements,” added Heymans.

“At DHL Express, we are committed to being a catalyst for growth in Africa, ensuring that not only is Africa a part of global trade but a key driver within it.”

Transnet launches RFQ for Richard's Bay terminal

Can AD Ports Group unlock Douala's trade potential?

Trafigura, Aurubis and Kamoa Copper complete first sale of low-carbon

First low carbon copper anode shipment advances Lobito corridor and sustainable DRC to Europe supply chain. (Image source: Trafigura)

Trafigura has finalised the inaugural sale of low-carbon copper anodes manufactured by Kamoa Copper to the Aurubis Group, a globally recognised non-ferrous metals producer known for its high sustainability standards

The milestone delivery represents an important move towards supplying some of the lowest-carbon refined copper available worldwide.

The anodes were transferred to Trafigura’s dry port facility in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and are scheduled for rail transport on the Lobito Atlantic Railway in the coming days. After reaching the Port of Lobito, the shipment will continue by sea to Aurubis for processing at its European refining facilities. The Lobito corridor offers the most direct connection between Kolwezi and an African export port, shortening inland transit to approximately seven days.

Production of the copper anodes took place at the newly commissioned smelter at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the DRC. The facility features advanced direct to blister smelting technology provided by Metso Outotec. The Kamoa-Kakula operation has been recognised as the lowest carbon-emitting major copper mine globally.

Kamoa Copper manages the complex through a joint venture partnership between Ivanhoe Mines and Zijin Mining. Trafigura serves as one of three designated offtake partners for output from the smelter. Following full ramp-up, the facility is expected to produce up to 500,000 tonnes annually of 99.7% pure copper anodes, positioning it as Africa’s largest copper smelter.

Gonzalo De Olazaval, head of metals, minerals and bulk commodities, Trafigura, commented, "Bringing together Trafigura, Aurubis, Kamoa Copper and the Lobito Atlantic Railway to complete the sale and transport of low-carbon copper anodes from the DRC shows what the mining supply chain can achieve when it works together."

"This transaction reflects the strength of our long-standing relationships with Aurubis, a world class company in its field, and Kamoa Copper, whose state-of-the-art smelter is among the least carbon-intensive in the industry - a testament to the world-class operation it has established in the DRC."

"We are equally proud that these anodes will be transported via LAR - a milestone made possible by the vision and support of the governments of the DRC and Angola, as well as the loan package provided by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).”

Ivanhoe Mines’ founder and executive co-chairman, Robert Friedland, commented, "The first shipment of 99.7%-pure copper anodes marks another milestone for Kamoa-Kakula and for Africa’s rapidly advancing infrastructure. The Lobito Atlantic Railway has become a transformational gateway linking the extraordinary mineral wealth of the DRC with global markets at unprecedented speed and efficiency."

"Copper produced at Kamoa-Kakula, transported via the Lobito Atlantic Railway and refined in Aurubis’s industry-leading low-carbon facilities in Europe, represents a new paradigm in the creation of the greenest and most sustainable refined copper supply chain serving global markets. Combined with our state-of-the-art smelter, this integrated supply chain is setting a new global benchmark for low-carbon-intensive copper for generations to come."

Operational data reflects the corridor’s growing momentum. In 2025, the Lobito Atlantic Railway transported more than 200,000 tonnes of cargo through the Port of Lobito. In January 2026 alone, volumes reached 30,000 tonnes, while the port handled a record 50,000-tonne bulk sulphur shipment.

Throughput is expected to rise consistently over the course of the year as the Lobito Atlantic Railway continues to strengthen its role as a dependable, high-capacity export route for the region.

Transnet launches RFQ for Richards Bay terminal

RFQ marks first step in private sector participation process to strengthen operations and attract private investment

Transnet SOC Ltd has released a Request for Qualification to begin identifying a private sector partner for its Private Sector Participation project at the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal

The RFQ marks a significant step under Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth Strategy and reflects its intention to formally engage the market to enhance operational efficiency, secure private investment and reinforce the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s freight and logistics network.

The Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal serves as a vital export hub for bulk commodities, especially chrome and magnetite. Through the PSP initiative, Transnet aims to harness private sector capital and operational expertise to strengthen reliability and efficiency, enable future capacity expansion and maintain strategic control of the asset.

In addition, the project is expected to create opportunities linked to supplier development, local participation and community upliftment, particularly in the Richards Bay area.

As the first stage of the selection process, the RFQ calls on interested bidders to demonstrate their technical expertise, operational track record, financial strength and compliance with Transnet’s stipulated requirements. Applicants must also present clear and measurable proposals detailing how they will advance community upliftment through the PSP arrangement. Parties that satisfy the qualification criteria may progress to a subsequent Request for Proposal phase.

Transnet has emphasised that the PSP process will be managed transparently and competitively, in full alignment with applicable governance standards and regulatory obligations. Ongoing engagement with key stakeholders, including employees, organised labour and government, will remain central throughout the process.

Can AD Ports Group unlock Douala’s trade potential?

AD Ports Group and two UAE based investors will hold a combined 60% stake in the operating company, alongside Africa Ports Development LTD with 40%. (Image source: AD Ports Group)

AD Ports Group has entered Africa Ports Development’s 30 year concession to develop and operate a new dry bulk terminal at the Port of Douala in the Republic of Cameroon, marking a further expansion of its African footprint

Under the agreed investment framework, AD Ports Group and two UAE based investors will hold a combined 60% stake in the operating company, alongside Africa Ports Development LTD with 40%. This structure translates into an effective economic interest of 51% for AD Ports Group.

Aligned with its ownership share, AD Ports Group’s portion of the phase 1 investment is projected at approximately AED 320 million, (approx. US$87mn). The first phase will deliver two berths and roughly 450 metres of quay wall, with an annual handling capacity of about 4 million tonnes of dry bulk commodities including clinker, gypsum, fertiliser and grain.

Construction is scheduled between 2026 and 2028 and will be undertaken in close coordination with the Port Authority of Douala to respond to sustained demand at Cameroon’s main maritime gateway.

Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO - AD Ports Group, said, “This agreement represents a strategically important expansion of AD Ports Group’s presence in Africa and reinforces our commitment to developing high-impact maritime infrastructure in high-growth markets, in line with the vision of our wise leadership. The Douala dry bulk terminal will enhance trade resilience, support industrial development, and strengthen Cameroon’s role as a gateway to Central Africa.”

Al Menhali added: “Through our partnership with Africa Ports Development, we are combining local market expertise with AD Ports Group’s global capabilities in port development and operations to support the Port Authority of Douala’s plans to modernise and enhance Douala Port, enabling regional trade and long-term economic growth. We commend the Port Authority for the significant progress achieved in recent years, which has driven strong growth in Cameroon’s maritime sector, and we look forward to contributing further to its long-term development ambitions.”

Marc Tabchy, managing partner of Africa Ports Development, said,“We are honoured to bring this partnership to life with AD Ports Group, a global reference that shares our firm belief in this project, in Cameroon, and in the potential of the African continent. Building upon the opportunity provided by the Port Authority of Douala’s modernisation and specialisation initiatives, this collaboration establishes a strategic synergy combining our group’s ambition and regional depth with AD Ports Group’s operational excellence.”

Situated at the Port of Douala, Cameroon’s largest seaport and the primary entry point for bulk imports, the new terminal is expected to reinforce regional supply chains and improve the handling efficiency of essential cargo streams. The port also functions as a vital transit corridor for landlocked markets across Central Africa, and the project will benefit from established hinterland connections linking Douala to major industrial zones and regional trade routes.

The development forms part of AD Ports Group’s broader growth strategy across the continent, building on its existing operations and investments in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and the Republic of the Congo, and strengthening its role as a key partner for trade, logistics and enabling infrastructure in Africa.

Rainbo Supplies to send heavy-duty trailers to Ivory Coast

UK heavy-duty trailers set for Ivory Coast

UK procurement company Rainbo Supplies is to provide 20 heavy-duty trailers to Ivory Coast after securing financial support from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the British government’s export credit agency

The contract is worth £4mn (US$5.5mn) with the trailers to be provided by an undisclosed UK manufacturer and utilised for the construction, mining and agricultural sectors.

Ivorian company EKDMC is purchasing the goods and services from Rainbo, facilitated by a loan guarantee issued by UKEF to London Forfaiting Company (LFC), creating an opportunity for UK suppliers in one of Africa’s largest economies.

The new contract marks Rainbo’s second partnership with UKEF and LFC in less than six months, following a successful deal with a Ugandan construction firm.

“Securing yet another UKEF-backed deal in less than a year is a tremendous achievement for our team and a testament to the strong, long-term relationships we have built with our clients, suppliers, and partners,” said Steve Quigley, managing director at Rainbo.

“Through close collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence, we continue to deliver best-in-class support and services across Africa,” he added.

“This contract with EKDMC opens up exciting new opportunities in the region and reinforces our confidence in continued sustainable growth.”

Its earlier Ugandan contract involved the supply of machinery, vehicles and equipment for the mining, transport and processing sectors on behalf of local construction and consultancy firm IBBI, which is setting up a granite quarry and an asphalt production plant.

Paul Wright, head of UK marketing at LFC, said the latest Ivorian deal supports both the UK exporter as well as the overseas buyer in a developing market.

“This deal is a further demonstration of the value of LFC’s ongoing partnership with UKEF, enabling buyers to access the flexible finance they need to purchase UK goods and services.”

South Africa's largest private freight rail investment

Ascon launch to boost Africa's supply chain