DP World and the Government of India have announced the launch of the Bharat Africa Setu, a trade initiative aimed at doubling India-Africa trade volumes.
The announcement came during a UAE state visit to India, attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World and Shri Piyush Goyal, Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
“Africa has the potential to transform into a key player in the global economy, with trade and strategic partnerships serving as catalysts for the continent’s growth and prosperity. Our partnership with the Government of India to establish the ‘Bharat Africa Setu’ will open doors for Indian exporters to the vast opportunity in Africa by enhancing bilateral trade efficiency and improving market access,” Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem explained.
India and DP World launch ‘Bharat Africa Setu’ Trade Initiative
Backed by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of External Affairs, the initiative will connect DP World’s ports, economic zones and logistics parks across both regions.
The platform will provide Indian exporters access to 53 African countries and 260,000 points of sale through an integrated trade ecosystem.
DP World currently operates 10 ports and terminals, three economic zones, and over 200 warehouses across Africa.
The Bharat Africa Setu will integrate physical infrastructure with services including export finance, marketing, packaging, logistics, and certification services.
Africa currently imports approximatel $430 billion worth of goods, with India accounting for just 6.5 percent of that total at $28 billion. With the new initiative, that figure is expected to rise to 12 percent by 2030.
“Africa holds immense promise as a strategic trade partner for India. To fully unlock this potential, it is essential to strengthen connectivity, reduce trade bottlenecks, and empower Indian businesses to access and thrive in Africa’s dynamic markets. The Bharat Africa Setu is a concrete step in this direction. By leveraging private sector innovation and investment, we are committed to developing an efficient, future-ready trade corridor that facilitates seamless export flows between India and Africa, fostering prosperity and growth on both sides of the Arabian Sea,” Goyal added.
The launch coincides with the start of construction on Bharat Mart, a 2.7 million square foot B2B and B2C marketplace in Dubai designed to strengthen trade between India and global markets.
Phase one, spanning 1.3 million square feet, is set to open by the end of 2026 in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA).
It will feature 1,500 showrooms, and over 700,000 square feet of warehousing, light industrial units, and office space, with dedicated space for women-led businesses from India.
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