A $2.5 billion investment plan for 2025 has been revealed by Emirati port operator DP World, with the goal of upgrading vital infrastructure throughout its worldwide logistics network. A sizeable portion of the money will go toward the group's growing activities in Africa, where DP World is stepping up its attempts to take the lead.

One of the key projects is the deep-water port in Banana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the first phase projected to handle 450,000 TEUs annually. The port seeks to lessen the nation's dependency on foreign ports while improving access to maritime trade.

DP World is moving forward with the development of the Ndayane port in Senegal, a major infrastructure project expected to accommodate up to 1.2 million TEUs per year. With an initial investment of $830 million, the port is positioned as a strategic pillar in Senegal’s long-term economic growth plans.

This initiative is part of DP World’s broader effort to strengthen its presence in Africa and compete with leading global terminal operators such as APM Terminals (Maersk), TIL (MSC), and AGL—the logistics arm that succeeded Bolloré Africa. DP World already manages port operations in several African countries, including Mozambique, Angola, Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt.

DP World’s expansion mirrors the growing involvement of other Emirati entities, particularly AD Ports, which is developing logistics corridors in countries such as Tanzania, Congo, and Egypt. Together, these efforts reflect a broader strategic push by the United Arab Emirates to strengthen its maritime and logistical footprint across Africa.

However, the wave of foreign-led port investments has raised concerns about Africa’s ability to independently manage and develop its own infrastructure and industrial base. The issue is underscored by the continent’s rising food import bill, which currently stands at $35 billion annually and could soar to $110 billion by 2025, according to the African Development Bank.