UK Development Agency to Resume Joint Investments with DP World After Leadership Change

The UK’s development finance institution British International Investment has confirmed it will resume joint investments with Dubai based ports operator DP World following the appointment of a new chief executive. The move signals a restoration of ties between the two organisations after recent concerns had prompted a temporary halt to new investment activity.

British International Investment, which supports sustainable growth and infrastructure projects in developing markets, said it welcomed DP World’s leadership transition and looked forward to continuing their partnership. The collaboration has focused in particular on developing key trading ports across Africa, intending to strengthen regional connectivity and unlock greater global trade potential for the continent.

Earlier this week, BII had paused new investment commitments alongside DP World amid scrutiny surrounding the company’s former chief executive, Sultan bin Sulayem. Allegations regarding his reported ties to Jeffrey Epstein led to heightened governance concerns among some institutional partners. While DP World did not comment in detail on the allegations, the leadership change appears to have reassured key stakeholders.

A spokesperson for BII said the agency welcomed the decision taken by DP World and emphasised the importance of advancing port development projects in Africa. Modern port infrastructure is seen as central to boosting trade flows, reducing logistics costs and supporting economic growth in emerging markets. Joint investment arrangements between public development institutions and private operators are often used to mobilise capital for large scale infrastructure initiatives.

Canada’s La Caisse, the country’s second largest pension fund, also confirmed it would move quickly to work with DP World’s newly appointed chief executive, Yuvraj Narayan, to continue their global partnership on port projects. The fund had similarly suspended new investment commitments while governance questions were being assessed.

DP World operates ports and logistics assets across multiple continents and plays a significant role in international supply chains. In Africa, investment in port capacity and efficiency has been viewed as a catalyst for broader economic integration under initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area. Development institutions have increasingly partnered with private operators to address infrastructure gaps that can constrain trade competitiveness.

British International Investment, formerly known as CDC Group, invests in sectors including infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing and climate related projects. Its mandate includes supporting sustainable development while generating a financial return, often by partnering with experienced commercial operators.

The decision to resume collaboration suggests that both sides are seeking to maintain momentum on long term infrastructure plans despite recent reputational challenges. For governments and investors, governance standards and leadership credibility remain critical factors when committing capital to large scale projects in emerging markets.

As global trade patterns evolve and developing economies seek to modernise logistics networks, partnerships between public development agencies and multinational operators are expected to remain an important financing model. The renewed cooperation between BII and DP World highlights the strategic role ports continue to play in shaping trade routes and economic growth prospects.