Hapag-Lloyd is expanding its presence in East Africa with a new setup in Kigali serving customers in Rwanda and Burundi.
The new presence, effective from 1 October 2026, will strengthen the German carrier’s local support in the two landlocked markets and connect customers with its wider regional and global liner network.
The move forms part of Hapag-Lloyd’s continued expansion across Africa and follows the establishment of its own local presence in Namibia.
Kigali setup strengthens regional connectivity
Hapag-Lloyd already connects Rwanda and Burundi with international markets through its East African network.
Through Dar es Salaam, the carrier currently offers two weekly services supporting imports and exports, with direct connections to India and the Far East. The new Kigali setup will complement these services by bringing customer support and local market expertise closer to customers in Rwanda and Burundi.
“By strengthening our presence, we combine local industry knowledge and customer proximity with the reach of Hapag-Lloyd’s global network,” said Jesper Kanstrup, Managing Director Sub-Region Africa, Hapag-Lloyd.
He added that each African market presents different opportunities and that the expansion reflects the carrier’s long-term plans for the continent.
The Kigali expansion comes alongside Hapag-Lloyd’s new office in Walvis Bay, Namibia, which also became operational on 1 October. Container News reported separately on the carrier’s move to establish its own local presence in the Namibian market.
The latest developments form part of Hapag-Lloyd’s Strategy 2030, under which the carrier is expanding its local teams and market presence across Africa.
