DP World has entered into a strategic partnership with ITOCHU Corporation, a leading Japanese trading conglomerate, to enhance logistics networks, supply chain infrastructure, and distribution systems in sub-Saharan Africa. The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, by Beat Simon, DP World’s Group Chief Operating Officer for Logistics, alongside senior representatives from ITOCHU.\n\nThe partnership aims to strengthen regional connectivity and improve market access throughout Africa, particularly supporting Japanese enterprises aiming to expand their operations on the continent. Initial areas of cooperation include optimizing freight fleets, refining supply chain efficiency, and expanding the distribution of essential goods such as food products and raw materials.\n\nDP World maintains a significant presence across 48 African nations, operating an extensive network that includes seaports, inland terminals, warehousing facilities, and land transport services. To date, the company has committed more than $3 billion to infrastructure development across the region, with an additional $3 billion earmarked for investment over the next three to five years.\n\nITOCHU, headquartered in Tokyo, brings decades of experience in commodity trading, wholesale distribution, and consumer goods across African markets. Its business interests span textiles, energy, machinery, food products, chemicals, and retail goods, positioning it as a key facilitator for Japanese firms entering African economies.\n\nBeat Simon emphasized the strategic importance of the African market, stating that the continent is among the most promising regions for international trade expansion. He noted that combining DP World’s logistical capabilities with ITOCHU’s commercial expertise will foster stronger economic ties between Japan and Africa.\n\nShinya Ishizuka, CEO of the Africa Bloc at ITOCHU Corporation, expressed optimism that the alliance would not only generate joint ventures but also act as a conduit for Japanese businesses navigating African markets.\n— news from mebusiness.ae\n\n— News Original —\nDP World, Japan’s ITOCHU to strengthen logistics, trade in Sub-Saharan Africa\n\nDP World has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ITOCHU Corporation, one of Japan’s largest trading companies, to expand logistics, supply chain infrastructure, and distribution capabilities in sub-Saharan Africa. \n\nThe agreement was signed during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) held in Yokohama, Japan, by Beat Simon, Group Chief Operating Officer, Logistics at DP World and senior executives from ITOCHU Corporation. \n\nUnder the MoU, both companies will explore opportunities to enhance connectivity and market access across Africa, supporting Japanese businesses seeking to establish or grow their presence on the continent. \n\nInitial discussions are focused on fleet and logistics operations, supply chain optimization, and the distribution of commodities and food products. \n\nDP World operates in 48 countries across the continent with a wide network of ports, terminals and logistics assets from warehouses to trucks. \n\nThe company has invested over $3 billion in infrastructure development, with a further $3 billion planned over the next 3 to 5 years. \n\nHeadquartered in Tokyo, ITOCHU has decades of experience in commodities, wholesale trade, and consumer goods across Africa. Its diversified portfolio spans textiles, machinery, energy, chemicals, foods, and general consumer goods, giving it a strong foundation to support Japanese businesses expanding into Africa. \n\nBeat Simon said, “Africa represents one of the most dynamic growth frontiers for global trade. This collaboration with ITOCHU reflects a shared vision to unlock value by combining our infrastructure and logistics expertise with ITOCHU’s commercial experience to create deeper connections between Africa and Japan.” \n\nShinya Ishizuka, CEO of Africa Bloc, ITOCHU Corporation, said, “We hope that this collaboration will not only lead to further projects between the two parties, but also serve as a bridge between Japanese companies seeking to expand into Africa and the African market.”
