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Inner circles | Africa
How Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem's networks steer DP World into Africa's ports

DP World chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem in Hong Kong, China, on 8 October 2024. © Edmond So/Reuters

The chairman and CEO of the Emirati port giant has a knack for forging high-level contacts to secure concessions in Africa. With the backing of Dubai's ruling family, he relies on intermediaries with strong connections to those in power across the continent. [...]

Published on 06/02/2026 at 05:40 GMT Reading time 7 minutes

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Inner circles | Africa
How Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem's networks steer DP World into Africa's ports

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Inner circles | Africa How Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem's networks steer DP World into Africa's ports

This article may be accessed by subscribers

Do you want a free trial before subscribing?

Create your free account

create a free account

Related topics to this article

Palace Intrigues William Ruto, Helen Zille, Brigitte Macron, Dominique Ouattara

KenyaUhuru Kenyatta and Gideon Moi's controversial phone call

South AfricaThe Democratic Alliance dodges drama

Ivory CoastBrigitte Macron and Dominique Ouattara get together again

Somalia, Somaliland Emirati company NBHH resumes operations on the Berbera corridor

Somalia, Somaliland After recognition by Israel, Hargeisa worries about Turkish influence

Libya Doha and shipping giant MSC take charge of Misrata port

Spotlight | Ethiopia In Berbera, DP World awaits green light from Addis Ababa to go ahead with expansion plans

Djibouti Abdourahman Boreh wins new battle against state in DP World legal saga

Kenya After Adani scandal, Ruto moves cautiously on Mombasa and Lamu port concessions

Nigeria Lagos ports attract interest from Emirati giants DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports

Spotlight | Senegal State's move on DP World Dakar sparks tension

Related topics to this article

About Africa Intelligence

Subscription

Africa Intelligence on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

Inner circles | Africa
How Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem's networks steer DP World into Africa's ports

Palace Intrigues
William Ruto, Helen Zille, Brigitte Macron, Dominique Ouattara

Somalia, Somaliland
Emirati company NBHH resumes operations on the Berbera corridor

Somalia, Somaliland
After recognition by Israel, Hargeisa worries about Turkish influence

Libya
Doha and shipping giant MSC take charge of Misrata port

Spotlight | Ethiopia
In Berbera, DP World awaits green light from Addis Ababa to go ahead with expansion plans

Djibouti
Abdourahman Boreh wins new battle against state in DP World legal saga

Kenya
After Adani scandal, Ruto moves cautiously on Mombasa and Lamu port concessions

Nigeria
Lagos ports attract interest from Emirati giants DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports

Spotlight | Senegal
State's move on DP World Dakar sparks tension