DP World Expands Sustainable Development Impact Efforts in Emerging Markets

In a significant step toward sustainable development, DP World has expanded its Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID) to include Brazil, Senegal, and South Africa. This extension, which follows the company’s inaugural SDID in April 2024 focusing on India and Somaliland, underscores DP World’s deep commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across critical regions in emerging markets.

With the inclusion of these three new countries, DP World is not only intensifying its sustainability efforts but also providing a comprehensive look at the tangible impacts its strategic investments have on communities and industries around the world. The SDID report reveals progress across a range of sustainability pillars, including resilient infrastructure, sustainable supply chains, and social impact initiatives. The company aims to bridge logistical and economic gaps in these regions, enhancing trade resilience and promoting community growth.

In Brazil, for example, DP World is collaborating with Rumo, a leading Brazilian logistics company, to develop a terminal in Santos capable of handling 12.5 million tons of grains and fertilizers annually. This project strengthens Brazil’s agricultural logistics and supports sustainable economic growth by improving the export capacity of vital resources.

Similarly, in Senegal, DP World’s investment of over $300 million has transformed port operations, with the Dakar terminal’s capacity increasing from 265,000 TEUs in 2008 to 800,000 TEUs by 2023. This investment not only bolsters Senegal’s trade connectivity but also facilitates access to markets previously difficult to reach, stimulating economic growth and opportunities for local businesses and communities.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World’s Group Chairman and CEO, highlighted the importance of these initiatives: “We are committed to investing at scale globally to strengthen trade resilience and foster positive social impacts in the communities where we operate. So we are immensely proud to extend this disclosure and highlight our contributions to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and bridge gaps in key developing economies. The report shows how the services DP World delivers create infrastructure, improve logistics services and provide opportunitities for communities.”

The development of this report was made possible through collaboration with the Impact Disclosure Taskforce, a global initiative composed of financial institutions and industry leaders dedicated to promoting standardized and reliable impact reporting. The SDID serves as a model for transparent impact measurement, allowing DP World to share clear insights into its contributions to social, economic, and environmental development.

Arsalan Mahtafar, Co-Chair of the Impact Disclosure Taskforce and Head of J.P. Morgan’s Development Finance Institution, said: “DP World has been a pioneer in using the Impact Disclosure Guidance to demonstrate how its business strategy will address country specific development challenges in key countries of operations. Their commitment to measuring and managing their development impact could provide SDG-focused investors the insights needed for informed investment and engagement decisions.”

The SDID not only strengthens DP World’s relationship with investors but also serves as a benchmark for other companies seeking to demonstrate their sustainability impact.

Cedric Merle, Co-Chair of the Impact Disclosure Taskforce, said: “DP World has led the way as the first company to pilot this framework. Now that it is fully operational, DP World has refined and expanded its application to other emerging markets in which it operates, including Brazil, Senegal, Somaliland, South Africa, and India. By showcasing real-world cases, DP World demonstrates the framework's applicability and provides valuable insights on how to effectively communicate contributions to the SDG and close the development gap.”

Through continued adherence to the Impact Disclosure Guidance, DP World ensures that its investments meet rigorous standards for sustainable impact, which may position its securities as attractive options for sustainable capital. As the company continues to expand its efforts, DP World’s SDID remains a powerful testament to its vision for a future where logistics and infrastructure foster inclusive, sustainable growth around the globe.

For a complete view of DP World’s Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure, click here.