DHL Launches Humanitarian Logistics Academy in Africa

DAHL seeks to transform DHL's global logistics expertise into hands-on training that helps humanitarian organisations improve operational readiness before emergencies occur.

DHL Group has launched the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics (DAHL), a new global initiative aimed at strengthening logistics capabilities among humanitarian organisations and improving disaster preparedness across vulnerable regions.

The programme was officially introduced in Johannesburg, South Africa, where representatives from humanitarian organisations gathered for training sessions focused on critical logistics skills such as customs procedures, dangerous goods handling, packaging standards and operational safety.

The academy forms part of DHL's broader GoHelp corporate citizenship programme and is designed to provide practical logistics training free of charge to non-profit organisations working in humanitarian response.

Building Stronger Local Response Capabilities

DAHL seeks to transform DHL's global logistics expertise into hands-on training that helps humanitarian organisations improve operational readiness before emergencies occur.

The programme places particular emphasis on supporting local and regional responders, enabling them to strengthen supply chain management, reduce delays and improve the delivery of aid during crises.

According to Christoph Selig, Vice President for Sustainability Communications and Programs at DHL Group, humanitarian emergencies are becoming more frequent and complex due to climate-related disasters, prolonged conflicts and evolving global risks.

He said efficient logistics plays a crucial role in ensuring that assistance reaches affected communities quickly and effectively, making capacity-building an increasingly important part of humanitarian preparedness.

The initiative supports the growing international focus on locally led humanitarian action by equipping organisations with the knowledge needed to manage logistics operations more independently.

Expanding a Longstanding Humanitarian Mission

The DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics represents the third pillar of DHL's GoHelp programme, which has supported disaster response and preparedness activities for more than two decades.

The company's existing initiatives include Disaster Response Teams, which deploy trained DHL specialists to assist with logistics operations following major disasters, and the Get Airports Ready for Disaster programme, which helps strengthen airport preparedness in high-risk regions.

DAHL builds on these efforts by focusing on long-term skills development and institutional capacity building within the humanitarian sector.

The programme has already been tested through pilot projects in several regions, training more than 650 participants from over 80 non-governmental organisations.

Feedback from these sessions has been overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of participants describing the training as valuable and relevant to their work.

Rollout Planned Across Multiple African Countries

The Sub-Saharan Africa rollout will include training activities in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Ghana and Nigeria during 2026.

DHL believes the region faces growing humanitarian challenges that require stronger logistics capacity and improved preparedness at the local level.

George Wood, Director of Customer Operations for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa and an active GoHelp volunteer, said local humanitarian organisations often demonstrate remarkable adaptability despite operating with limited resources.

He noted that practical logistics knowledge can significantly improve the effectiveness of response efforts and help organisations manage emergencies more efficiently.

The academy will use a flexible learning model that combines in-person workshops, virtual training sessions, warehouse assessments and e-learning modules. All training will be delivered by experienced DHL logistics professionals at no cost to participating organisations.

The launch of DAHL in Johannesburg marks an important step in DHL's efforts to expand humanitarian capacity-building globally while reinforcing its commitment to using logistics expertise to support communities and improve lives.