Hapag-Lloyd builds momentum in Africa with expansion in Namibia, Rwanda and Burundi

Hapag-Lloyd is expanding its presence in Africa with new offices in Namibia, Rwanda and Burundi, signaling the company's continued growth across the continent. As of October 1, 2026, Hapag-Lloyd will open a local office in Namibia and establish a setup in Kigali, Rwanda, to serve customers in both Rwanda and Burundi. These developments aim to bring Hapag-Lloyd closer to its customers and reinforce the company's ability to combine local market expertise with its global network.

Africa is playing an increasingly significant role in global trade, driven by expanding economies, trade flows and stronger connections with global markets. The continent's evolving supply chains and rising demand for reliable international connectivity present new opportunities for businesses and communities.

For Hapag-Lloyd, these developments underscore the importance of being nearer to African markets and customers, backed by ongoing investments in local expertise, capabilities and network connectivity. This commitment is evident in the company's strengthened presence in Southern and East Africa.

In Namibia, a new Hapag-Lloyd office in Walvis Bay will serve as the company's first local presence in the market. In East Africa, the Kigali setup will support customers in Rwanda and Burundi, enhancing Hapag-Lloyd's reach into two landlocked markets and connecting them with the company's regional and global network. For Rwanda and Burundi, this presence builds upon Hapag-Lloyd's existing connectivity in East Africa, offering two weekly services through Dar es Salaam, which provides direct links to India and the Far East.

Jesper Kanstrup, Managing Director Sub-Region Africa at Hapag-Lloyd, emphasized that strengthening the presence in Namibia, Rwanda and Burundi is a crucial milestone in the company's continued development in Africa. The continent's diversity necessitates a deep understanding of individual markets, and this expansion aims to combine local industry knowledge with the reach of Hapag-Lloyd's global network.

Each market offers unique opportunities, and this growth reflects the company's long-term commitment to its customers and Africa.

As Hapag-Lloyd progresses toward its Strategy 2030 objectives, Africa remains a key part of the company's growth strategy. By investing in local teams and market expertise, and collaborating closely with customers, authorities and partners, Hapag-Lloyd aims to create an organization capable of addressing the specific needs of African markets while integrating them into its global liner network.

The developments in Namibia, Rwanda and Burundi represent another step in this journey, reflecting Hapag-Lloyd's commitment to growing together with its customers across the continent.