Grace Ashiru
DHL Group plans to invest around €500 million (US$575 million) over the next five years to expand its healthcare and logistics infrastructure in Africa and the Middle East. The initiative supports rising demand for pharmaceutical and medical logistics across both regions.
DHL’s investment will focus on key markets like South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia, aiming to strengthen the supply chain for vital and time-sensitive shipments such as vaccines, stem cells, insulin therapies, and cryogenic materials. The plan includes expanding warehousing, packaging, and logistics capabilities to protect the quality and traceability of these shipments. This regional initiative accounts for about 25% of DHL’s global €2 billion healthcare investment strategy.
Beyond healthcare logistics, DHL Group will also strengthen its broader logistics operations in the Middle East, with a focus on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The investment will cover all four DHL divisions: DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Supply Chain, and DHL eCommerce—to upgrade infrastructure, grow its network, and enhance service delivery. This expansion is designed to support both local enterprises and global companies operating in these rapidly growing markets.
The Middle East is becoming a key trade corridor, connecting Asia, Europe, and the U.S., while also acting as a bridge to Africa. DHL’s investment highlights the region’s rising significance in global supply chains and reflects the company’s commitment to supporting its evolution into a driver of both regional and international trade.
