Global connectedness remained at 25% in 2025, matching the record high first set in 2022, according to the DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026, published by DHL and NYU Stern School of Business in March.
The report draws on more than 9 million data points tracking international flows of trade, capital, information, and people across 180 countries, covering 99.6% of global GDP and 99% of the world’s population. It has been published regularly since 2011.
The connectedness index runs from 0% (representing no cross-border flows) to 100%, where borders and distance have no measurable impact on flows.
Sub-Saharan Africa Shows Connectedness Surge
Namibia ranks among the top three countries globally for long-term increases in connectedness since 2001. Mozambique also appears among the strongest long-run improvers over the same period. Nigeria and Zambia are listed among the countries with the largest connectedness gains since 2022.
In the report’s 2024 country ranking, South Africa places 53rd out of 180 economies. Other Sub-Saharan African countries ranked include Seychelles (40th), Mauritius (65th), Namibia (68th), Ghana (97th), Nigeria (100th), Mozambique (107th), and Kenya (119th).
UN data cited in the report show Africa recorded a 17% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2025 compared with 2019.
Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “As supply chains across the globe continue to develop and trade routes expand into new territories, connectedness is emerging as a key differentiator for businesses and nations alike. The countries in our region that are strengthening their global links are becoming more visible in international trade networks. While this is an encouraging trend in terms of the scope of opportunities available, the key is to take advantage of these opportunities to drive consistent and reliable trade flows. This report further underscores how Africa is increasingly shifting from a narrative of aid to one of trade, a transformation powered by stronger integration, rising competitiveness, and improved access to global markets. To fully unlock this potential, the region needs strong regional connectivity, predictable cross-border processes, and partners that understand both local conditions and global trade requirements. At DHL Express, we are committed to being a catalyst for growth in Africa, ensuring that not only is Africa a part of global trade but a key driver within it.”
Geopolitical shifts create new globalization patterns
The report finds that over the past decade, 4-6% of global goods trade, greenfield FDI, and cross-border M&A have shifted away from geopolitical rivals. The report states that most of those flows moved not to close allies but to countries with flexible geopolitical positions, including India and Vietnam.
Prof. Steven A. Altman, Director of the DHL Initiative on Globalization at NYU Stern’s Center for the Future of Management, said: “The politics and policy surrounding globalization are much more volatile than the actual flows between countries. Global trade patterns changed more in 2025 than they do in a typical year, but less than they did during other recent disruptions such as the early stages of the war in Ukraine. Sound decision-making requires a calibrated view of how much global business ties are really changing. The risks to globalization are real, but so is the resilience of global flows.”
John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, noted: “Globalization is holding its ground – and that alone speaks volumes about its value. From poverty to climate change, the world’s biggest challenges can only be solved through global thinking. The DHL Global Connectedness Report shows that countries and companies are not retreating behind national borders. That is good news. DHL strengthens global ties by connecting markets, businesses, and people so they can adapt, diversify, and unlock new opportunities – even in uncertain times.”
