The Berbera container terminal and the new economic zone will communicate smoothly.
Now with a larger footprint, DP World is present in Africa. It links to a region of 140 million people from its base in Somaliland.
Dubai: DP World has begun activities at the Berbera Economic Zone (BEZ) in Somaliland, which, along with the Port of Berbera, has a population of 140 million, and could turn the region into a significant trade hub in the Horn of Africa.
The Berbera Corridor, which links to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and "needs multiple sea gateways to meet its trade requirements," runs 15 kilometers from the port through the zone.
The most recent opening comes after the June 2021 launch of a new container terminal at Berbera Port. Taking advantage of its advantageous position alongside one of the busiest sea routes in the world and access to the vast hinterland in the area, including Ethiopia, DP World's goal for Berbera is to develop it into a trade hub, according to a statement.
A deal between DP World and IFFCO, a sizable food company headquartered in the UAE, is already in place to develop.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, stated that the dynamics of international trade are changing and that there is an increasing need for trade infrastructure, such as economic zones with quick and simple access to international shipping. "These will enable businesses to enter new markets, improve logistics, and get closer to their consumers.
"A great example of this is the integration of Berbera port with the new Economic Zone, which makes Berbera a world-class trading ecosystem, both now and in the future."
The Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai serves as the inspiration for the Somaliland free zone. There will be "synergies" between the two zones, allowing businesses from Dubai to apply for Berbera through the JAFZA one-stop shop and businesses from Berbera to use the resources of the JAFZA incubation center.
The BEZ masterplan covers 1,200 hectares and will be extended in response to demand. For building company facilities, Phase 1 provides serviced land plots, 10,000 square meters of pre-built warehouses, build-to-suit facilities, open yard storage, a common user warehouse that DP World will run to handle customer cargo, and office space. Phase 1 is currently open.
The Berbera Port can accommodate the "largest container vessels in operation" thanks to its wide draft of 17 meters, 400-meter quay, and three ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes. Additionally, it has a yearly capability of 500,000 TEUs.
By 2035, the port's expansion is anticipated to enable trade worth approximately 27% of Somaliland's GDP and 75% of regional trade.
President of Somaliland Muse Bihi Abdi stated, "With the economic zone now open for business following the opening of the container terminal at Berbera Port, we are taking a significant step forward in realizing our vision to establish Berbera as an integrated, regional trade gateway.