DHL Boosts Sub-Saharan Africa Logistics with New Boeing 737-400 Freighters

DHL Aviation has expanded its dedicated air network in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The company unveiled two fully branded Boeing 737-400 freighters at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria. This move marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing logistics infrastructure investment across the region.

This additional air capacity is designed to enhance transit times. It will also improve delivery predictability for West African businesses and beyond. The two dedicated aircraft will be integrated into the DHL Aviation air network. This strengthens connectivity on critical Africa-Europe Africa-Asia trade lanes.

Strengthening Africa Trade Links

The deployment addresses rising demand for efficient cross-border logistics. DHL is the only integrator with a dedicated air network in SSA. The narrowbody 737-400 freighters offer a payload capacity of just over 20 tonnes. This capacity is crucial for key sectors driving regional economic growth.

• Key Sectors Supported: The uplift specifically targets growing demand in e-commerce perishables energy, and life sciences & healthcare.

Anthony Beckley, Vice President of Operations and Aviation for DHL Express SSA, highlighted the strategic timing. He noted that trade is expanding under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Businesses now demand consistent delivery performance and predictable transit times.

Investment and Market Context

This aircraft expansion is part of a larger commitment by the DHL Group. The company announced a multi-year investment plan of over €300 million in SSA in October 2025. This funding supports infrastructure development across its express, forwarding, and supply chain divisions.

Market data underscores the strategic importance of this investment. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the highest global growth in trade value in the first half of 2025. This growth was a 10% increase year-on-year in U.S. dollars. Furthermore, the African e-commerce market was forecast to exceed $75 billion in 2025.

Digitalization and Sustainability

DHL’s investment goes beyond just physical capacity. The company is advancing digitalization efforts. These include using artificial intelligence (AI) for route optimization. They are also implementing digital customs tools to improve network efficiency.

Complementing the capacity growth, the company maintains a commitment to sustainable growth. It is piloting renewable energy and alternative fuel projects at its facilities. This supports long-term environmental goals.

Aviation Senior Director, Riaan Vorster, confirmed the company's commitment. He stated the investment reaffirms DHL Express as a logistics partner of choice. This is for businesses seeking to grow in regional and global value chains. The addition of the Boeing 737-400 freighters is a direct response to the continent's rising trade momentum. The AfCFTA is expected to boost Africa's income by $450 billion by 2035, according to the World Bank.

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