Cracking the Code: How DP World Is Empowering West Africa’s Cashew Trade – and What It Means for Global Agriculture
From Senegal’s port modernization to sustainable agri-logistics in the Americas, DP World is transforming how agricultural products move – efficiently, equitably, and sustainably.
Transforming Agricultural Trade Through Infrastructure and Inclusion
In West Africa, the humble cashew has become a powerful symbol of sustainable growth. Since the turn of the millennium, production has more than doubled to 3.9 billion tons, making the region the world’s leading producer. Yet, for decades, farmers in countries like Guinea-Bissau and Senegal struggled to bring their goods to global markets due to inefficient ports, long delays, and unpredictable logistics.
That’s changing fast. At the Port of Dakar in Senegal, DP World has built a feeder network that connects Guinea-Bissau directly to global trade lanes. Smaller vessels now move cashews from Bissau to Dakar in a matter of weeks – a journey that once took over 20 days. Through rapid containerization, digital platforms offering real-time tracking, and streamlined customs processes, exporters can now manage shipments efficiently and sustainably.
The result? Lower logistics costs, better quality control, and more reliable incomes for farmers. Beyond operational gains, DP World’s investment is creating lasting social impact – revitalizing southern Senegal and neighboring Guinea-Bissau through job creation and poverty reduction.
Building Inclusive Economies from Port to Plantation
The $1.2 billion deepwater Ndayane Port – DP World’s largest investment in Africa to date – will further cement Senegal’s position as a key logistics hub for the continent. The new port will handle larger vessels, attract regional trade, and set a new standard for how African agricultural economies can connect sustainably to global markets.
But the impact extends far beyond the shoreline. The efficiency gains are improving livelihoods, boosting local incomes, and creating new opportunities for women and youth. With better logistics infrastructure, cashew-producing communities gain access to predictable export channels, enabling smallholders to plan production, invest in equipment, and access financing with greater confidence.
Lessons for the Americas: Sustainable Agri-Logistics at Scale
The transformation unfolding in West Africa mirrors similar sustainability-driven shifts in the Americas. In Ecuador, DP World’s Port of Posorja has become the nation’s leading gateway for perishable exports, ensuring that bananas, shrimp, and flowers reach global markets with maximum freshness and minimal carbon footprint. Likewise, in the Dominican Republic, the Caucedo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is creating integrated logistics ecosystems for agri-businesses – powered by renewable energy and designed for resilience.
Across continents, the model remains consistent: empower producers, modernize logistics, and connect markets through sustainable trade infrastructure. By aligning port modernization with inclusive development, DP World is helping shape a future where agricultural exports serve as engines of economic and social progress.
A Blueprint for Sustainable Agriculture
From the cashew farms of Guinea-Bissau to the banana plantations of Ecuador, DP World is redefining how agricultural value chains function. These projects demonstrate that sustainable logistics is not just about efficiency – it’s about equity.
By investing in modern ports, digital transparency, and multimodal networks, DP World is enabling farmers, exporters, and communities to thrive together. The company’s approach shows how global trade, when designed with sustainability in mind, can unlock long-term value for people and the planet alike.
Learn More
DP World’s Our World, Our Future strategy is empowering local economies from West Africa to the Americas – delivering social, environmental, and economic impact through sustainable logistics.
Discover more about DP World’s sustainability initiatives.
