DP World launches China-Africa shipping link scheduled for late November 2026

The China Africa Link, operated by DP World's Shipping Solutions AMEA business, is scheduled to commence in late November 2026. It will provide additional shipping connections to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Maputo in Mozambique.

The port rotation will cover Shanghai, Ningbo and Nansha in China; Port Klang Westport in Malaysia; Dar es Salaam; Maputo; and Singapore, before returning to Shanghai.

New service expands China-Africa trade routes

DP World said the service would give customers more routing options, improve access to markets and support the movement of goods across established and emerging trade routes.

The China Africa Link forms part of DP World Marine Services' Connected Trade Corridors approach, which combines maritime services, ports and inland transport to create more integrated trade networks.

Ganesh Raj, global chief operating officer of Marine Services at DP World, said customers needed reliable connections and greater flexibility as global trade patterns changed.

"Global trade is changing, and our customers need more than shipping capacity. They need reliable connections, greater choice and the flexibility to adapt as trade patterns evolve. The new China Africa Link demonstrates how we are bringing our Connected Trade Corridors approach to life. By strengthening maritime connectivity between China and Africa, we are opening up more opportunities for businesses and creating smarter, more flexible shipping networks that help keep cargo moving."

The service will carry a range of goods, including machinery, electronics, construction materials and automotive components from China, alongside African exports such as agricultural products, minerals and other commodities.

DP World invests in African ports

The new service complements DP World's investments in African trade infrastructure.

In Mozambique, DP World is undertaking a $165m expansion of its Maputo container terminal, designed to more than double its handling capacity. In Tanzania, it has committed more than $500m to modernising the Port of Dar es Salaam.

Together with the China Africa Link, the investments form part of the company's efforts to connect port infrastructure with marine services, expand shipping options and support trade between markets in the Global South.