Egypt and global port operator DP World are in discussions to expand logistics and distribution centres across the country in a move aimed at strengthening Egypt’s role as a regional trade gateway linking Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
The talks come as Egypt accelerates efforts to position itself as a central logistics and re-export hub, leveraging its strategic location along key global shipping routes, particularly the Suez corridor.
Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Mohamed Farid, met a DP World delegation this week to review potential new investments in distribution infrastructure and expanded trade facilitation systems designed to improve access to African markets.
According to a statement, the discussions focused on building integrated logistics zones, strengthening supply chain connectivity, and enhancing Egypt’s export capacity through DP World’s established network across Africa and Asia.
Farid said the government is pursuing a broad reform agenda aimed at improving the investment climate through streamlined procedures, regulatory updates, and legislative adjustments intended to attract both domestic and foreign capital. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce bottlenecks facing importers and exporters.
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He stressed that Egypt’s geographic position gives it a “natural comparative advantage” as a trade and logistics hub, noting its potential to serve as a bridge between African markets and global supply chains.
The minister also proposed closer coordination between DP World and Egyptian exporters, including structured engagement sessions to link local producers with DP World’s distribution systems across the continent. The aim is to increase export volumes and deepen participation in African continental trade agreements.
DP World already operates in several African markets, including Nigeria and South Africa, as well as key hubs in East Africa. Egyptian officials believe this footprint could provide new opportunities for local exporters seeking wider regional access.
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Rizwan Soomar, DP World’s CEO and Managing Director for the Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, Levant and Egypt, praised recent improvements in Egypt’s investment climate, saying the company was evaluating new opportunities in logistics and distribution infrastructure.
He added that DP World is assessing potential investments in expanded warehousing, inland logistics centres, and cargo handling systems in Egypt, aimed at improving efficiency and reducing turnaround times for regional shipments.
The discussions come alongside recent government measures to support trade flows through Egyptian ports. Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk recently approved a six-month extension of simplified customs procedures for transit shipments passing through Egyptian ports.
The policy allows clearance processes to continue without requiring prior Advance Cargo Information (ACI) registration, a move designed to ease congestion and speed up cargo movement.
Authorities say ports and customs facilities will continue operating at full capacity throughout the year as part of efforts to accelerate goods release and improve trade competitiveness.
Analysts say the combined reforms and private-sector partnerships reflect Egypt’s ambition to strengthen its logistics sector at a time of increasing competition among African states to attract transit trade and regional distribution operations.
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If successful, the expanded collaboration with DP World could position Egypt as a major consolidation point for African exports heading toward Europe and Asia, while also increasing foreign investment in logistics infrastructure.
The government has repeatedly emphasized that logistics and transport are key pillars of its long-term economic strategy, particularly as it seeks to expand export earnings and integrate more deeply into global value chains.
