emirates7 - DP World has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ITOCHU Corporation, one of Japan’s leading trading houses, to strengthen logistics networks, supply chain infrastructure, and distribution channels across sub-Saharan Africa.
The agreement was formalized at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, where it was signed by Beat Simon, Group COO for Logistics at DP World, along with senior executives from ITOCHU.
Through this partnership, the two companies will explore ways to improve connectivity and market access throughout Africa, particularly for Japanese businesses looking to establish or expand operations on the continent. Initial areas of cooperation include fleet management, logistics solutions, supply chain efficiency, and the distribution of food and commodity products.
DP World already has a strong footprint in Africa, operating in 48 countries with a network of ports, terminals, warehouses, and transport fleets. The company has invested more than $3 billion in infrastructure projects to date, with plans to allocate an additional $3 billion over the next three to five years.
ITOCHU, headquartered in Tokyo, brings decades of experience in commodities, consumer goods, and wholesale trade, with business lines spanning textiles, machinery, energy, chemicals, food, and general merchandise. This diversified expertise positions it well to support Japanese firms seeking growth opportunities in African markets.
Commenting on the MoU, Beat Simon emphasized Africa’s potential as a major growth hub for international trade, noting that the collaboration combines DP World’s logistics infrastructure with ITOCHU’s commercial know-how to stronger links between Africa and Japan.
Shinya Ishizuka, CEO of ITOCHU’s Africa Bloc, added that the partnership is intended not only to drive joint projects but also to serve as a gateway for Japanese companies aiming to access African markets.
The agreement was formalized at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, where it was signed by Beat Simon, Group COO for Logistics at DP World, along with senior executives from ITOCHU.
Through this partnership, the two companies will explore ways to improve connectivity and market access throughout Africa, particularly for Japanese businesses looking to establish or expand operations on the continent. Initial areas of cooperation include fleet management, logistics solutions, supply chain efficiency, and the distribution of food and commodity products.
DP World already has a strong footprint in Africa, operating in 48 countries with a network of ports, terminals, warehouses, and transport fleets. The company has invested more than $3 billion in infrastructure projects to date, with plans to allocate an additional $3 billion over the next three to five years.
ITOCHU, headquartered in Tokyo, brings decades of experience in commodities, consumer goods, and wholesale trade, with business lines spanning textiles, machinery, energy, chemicals, food, and general merchandise. This diversified expertise positions it well to support Japanese firms seeking growth opportunities in African markets.
Commenting on the MoU, Beat Simon emphasized Africa’s potential as a major growth hub for international trade, noting that the collaboration combines DP World’s logistics infrastructure with ITOCHU’s commercial know-how to stronger links between Africa and Japan.
Shinya Ishizuka, CEO of ITOCHU’s Africa Bloc, added that the partnership is intended not only to drive joint projects but also to serve as a gateway for Japanese companies aiming to access African markets.