DP World and GulfCap Africa move forward with investment in the Mombasa Industrial Park

Posted on : Friday , 2nd October 2026

DP World and GulfCap Africa, based in Kenya, signed an agreement, with Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, for advancing the Mombasa Industrial Park, envisioned as a 222-hectare Special Economic Zone ( SEZ).  

The agreement extends the partnership previously announced by DP World and GulfCap Africa. It moves forward plans for development and reinforces DP World’s commitment to expand its investments in Kenya by building comprehensive industrial and logistics infrastructure to boost trade and investment across East Africa.

The initial phase of the SEZ will span 40 hectares, and the complete development is intended to draw in foreign direct investment, boost local manufacturing capabilities, and enhance ties between Kenyan businesses and regional and global markets.

Over 60 local and international firms have already shown interest in leasing space in the SEZ, and the development is anticipated to generate more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs once completed.  

The project is also anticipated to generate opportunities for Kenyan suppliers and service providers, including small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs), helping integrate Kenyan firms into regional and global supply chains. Companies operating in the park will be well-positioned to capitalize on Kenya’s access to major markets via the African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA), its Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union, and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement ( CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, President William Samoei Ruto said, “ Today we are taking an important step toward Kenya’s future economy. The tripartite agreement among DP World, the Government of Mombasa, and GulfCap shows what can be achieved when government fosters a conducive environment for business. The government will back this industrial goal by providing the necessary infrastructure to ensure competitiveness. Our goal is to reduce production costs so that goods manufactured in Kenya can compete effectively both regionally and globally.  

Essa Kazim, Group Chairman of DP World, said, " Kenya is a strategically important market for DP World, and this agreement demonstrates our confidence in its long-term growth." Our investment in the Mombasa Industrial Park is designed to develop the necessary infrastructure to support trade, attract new industries, and strengthen connections between Kenyan businesses and markets across Africa and around the world.

Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and Managing Director for Africa at DP World, said, “ This agreement represents a key milestone in the development of the Mombasa Industrial Park and reaffirms our enduring commitment to Kenya. By integrating industrial capacity with logistics infrastructure, we enable businesses to reach markets more efficiently and establish a foundation to draw in new investment and manufacturing activity to the country. Our priority is advancing development and creating an ecosystem that supports businesses in Kenya, while reinforcing Mombasa’s position as a key trade hub.  

Suleiman Shahbal, Founder of GulfCap Africa, said, “ Our partnership with DP World marks a new chapter for industrial development in Mombasa. The Mombasa Industrial Park is structured to foster an environment that integrates infrastructure, logistics, and investment to promote business growth. Once completed, the park will have a significant social and economic impact. The project is anticipated to generate more than 20,000 jobsboth directly and indirectlythereby significantly improving the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyans. To date, more than 60 local and international companies have shown interest in securing space within the SEZ.