DHL Group has announced a €500 million (US$575 million) investment in healthcare infrastructure across Africa and the Middle East over the next five years, as part of a broader €2 billion global commitment to the sector.
The investment targets a growing demand for reliable logistics for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, with Africa identified as a key growth area due to its expanding population and persistent health challenges.
Annette Naude, DHL’s head of healthcare for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the continent’s increasing need for temperature-sensitive and high-value medical shipments, such as vaccines, stem cells, and cryogenic materials. She pointed to rising Chinese investment as a key driver reshaping healthcare dynamics in the region, alongside a growing market for advanced insulin therapies and a shift toward long-acting, user-friendly treatments.
DHL’s commitments
DHL already operates major healthcare logistics hubs in South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia, offering services that include warehousing, packaging, and end-to-end supply chain solutions. The company has developed specialized facilities capable of handling ultra-cold shipments and product serialization to ensure safety and traceability from production to patient delivery.
In Kenya, DHL recently partnered with Chinese investors to launch a medical device manufacturing facility, now exporting to Europe and the Middle East—highlighting Africa’s emerging role in the global healthcare supply chain.