DP World and ITOCHU Corporation, one of Japan’s largest trading companies, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance logistics, supply chain infrastructure, and distribution capabilities across sub-Saharan Africa.
The agreement was formalized during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan. It was signed by Beat Simon, Group Chief Operating Officer, Logistics at DP World, and senior executives from ITOCHU Corporation.
Through this MoU, both companies aim to explore opportunities that strengthen connectivity and market access across Africa, particularly supporting Japanese businesses keen to establish or expand their footprint on the continent. The initial focus areas include fleet and logistics operations, supply chain optimization, and the distribution of commodities and food products.
DP World currently operates in 48 African countries, with an extensive infrastructure comprising ports, terminals, warehouses, and trucking assets. The company has already invested over $3 billion in infrastructure development on the continent and has plans to inject an additional $3 billion in the next three to five years.
With its headquarters in Tokyo, ITOCHU brings decades of experience in sectors such as commodities, wholesale trade, and consumer goods across Africa. The company’s diversified interests—meanwhile spanning textiles, machinery, energy, chemicals, foods, and other consumer products—position it as a key player in supporting Japanese business expansion into Africa.
“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,” said Beat Simon.
Shinya Ishizuka, CEO of Africa Bloc, ITOCHU Corporation, commented, “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.”
Team V.4-EM-UAE
