DP World to Begin Work on Somaliland Free Zone

Press release

Published March 5th, 2018 - 11:04 GMT

The final agreement been signed between DP World and the Dubai government.

The final agreement to develop a greenfield economic free zone in Somaliland to complement the growth of the Port of Berbera has been signed between DP World and the Dubai government.

The global trade enabler expects to break ground on the 12 square kilometre freezone project this year. Located next to the port, it will support the growth of Berbera as a regional trading hub and generate jobs.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Group chairman and CEO, said: "Our vision for Berbera is to make it a regional maritime hub in the Horn of Africa and its development will encourage growth for the region's economy. It's also a boost for local prosperity - jobs for the people of Somaliland and future generations. We look forward to bringing our global experience here and to help develop the Berbera Corridor, which is key to encouraging regional economic activity."

Republic of Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Saad Al Shire said: "Developing a free zone will complement the growth of Berbera Port, enabling it to become a gateway for trade to the region and the whole of Africa."

The project is also modelled on DP World's Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in Dubai.

Source: Khaleej Times

Background Information

DP World

We began life as a local port operator with our first project, the development of Dubai’s Port Rashid, in 1972. Seven years later we opened Jebel Ali Port, the busiest port outside of Asia and a facility that has propelled us on our journey to becoming a leading enabler of global trade.