Global logistics company DHL Group has launched a DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics (DAHL) in Johannesburg, which uses DHL’s logistics expertise to provide practical, pro bono training for nonprofit organisations, with a particular focus on local and regional responders.

The global capacity-building programme is designed to scale practical, accessible and locally relevant logistics capability for humanitarian actors, and is being introduced in sub-Saharan Africa.

The programme has already been piloted globally, with more than 650 participants from over 80 nongovernmental organisations trained across multiple sessions, DHL says.

Feedback shows that 96% of participants rated the training as valuable, which underlines the demand for practical, real-world logistics expertise within the humanitarian sector, it says.

The programme is designed to help humanitarian organisations strengthen operational readiness, reduce delays and improve the efficiency of aid delivery before emergencies occur.

“Humanitarian needs are becoming more complex and more frequent, driven by a combination of climate-related events, protracted crises and evolving risk environments,” says DHL Group sustainability communications and programmes VP Christoph Selig.

“The humanitarian system is also shifting toward more anticipatory approaches and stronger local ownership. In this context, logistics plays a central role in enabling aid to move efficiently and reach those who need it most.

“With the DHAL, we are building on our experience in disaster response and preparedness to strengthen practical capabilities across the sector and support more effective, locally driven operations,” he says.

Further, the rollout of DAHL in sub-Saharan Africa will include a series of training sessions across multiple countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Ghana and Nigeria, this year.

The programme is designed to address the region’s growing need for logistics capacity in the face of increasing humanitarian challenges.

“Sub-Saharan Africa presents both significant logistical challenges and some of the most resourceful and adaptive response environments,” says DHL Express customer operations sub-Saharan Africa director George Wood.

“We consistently see how local humanitarian organisations innovate and respond under pressure, often with limited resources. By further equipping these organisations with practical, hands-on logistics knowledge, we can help strengthen preparedness and improve the efficiency of response operations on the ground.”

The programme offers a flexible learning model that includes in-person workshops, virtual sessions, warehouse assessments, and e-learning modules. All training is delivered by experienced DHL logisticians and provided free of charge, which ensures accessibility for humanitarian organisations regardless of size or resources.

The launch of the academy in Johannesburg marks an important step in scaling the programme globally and reinforces DHL Group’s commitment to connecting people and improving lives through its logistics expertise, the company says.