DP World, Mombasa sign logistics deal

DP World and Kenya-based GulfCap Africa have signed an agreement to develop the Mombasa Industrial Park, a planned 222-hectare Special Economic Zone (SEZ), strengthening Kenya’s trade links with regional and international markets, including the Middle East. The agreement was signed in the presence of Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto and follows the partnership announced in August.

The first phase will cover 40 hectares, with more than 60 local and international companies already showing interest in taking space. The completed SEZ is expected to support more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The project will bring industrial and logistics infrastructure closer together, helping manufacturers and other businesses move goods to regional and international markets more efficiently. It is also expected to create opportunities for Kenyan suppliers, service providers and SMEs to join wider supply chains.

Businesses in the park will have access to trade opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Kenya’s Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE.

Essa Kazim, Group Chairman of DP World, said, “Our investment in the Mombasa Industrial Park is about creating the infrastructure that enables trade, attracts new industries and connects Kenyan businesses more efficiently with markets across Africa and the world.”