The humanitarian sector’s growing exposure to climate shocks, protracted crises and complex supply chain constraints has placed renewed focus on logistics capability as a critical enabler of effective disaster response. In light of these challenges, DHL Group has launched the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics (DAHL), a global capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening practical logistics skills among humanitarian organisations.
The initiative forms part of DHL Group’s wider GoHelp corporate citizenship programme and was officially introduced in Sub-Saharan Africa at a launch event in Johannesburg. The rollout brings humanitarian organisations together for hands-on training focused on core operational disciplines including customs processes, dangerous goods handling, packaging standards and safety procedures.
Building practical logistics capability before disasters strike
DAHL is designed to convert DHL’s global logistics expertise into structured, pro bono training for non-profit organisations, with a particular emphasis on local and regional responders.
The aim is to improve preparedness, reduce operational delays and strengthen the efficiency of aid delivery before emergencies occur rather than during crisis response.
“Humanitarian needs are becoming more complex and more frequent, driven by a combination of climate-related events, protracted crises and evolving risk environments,” said Christoph Selig, Vice President Sustainability Communications and Programs at DHL Group.
“At the same time, the humanitarian system is 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 DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics, 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.”
Extending a 20-year disaster response framework
DAHL becomes the third pillar of DHL Group’s GoHelp programme, which has been active in disaster response and preparedness for more than two decades. The existing framework includes Disaster Response Teams, which deploy logistics specialists into crisis zones, and the Get Airports Ready for Disaster initiative, which supports airport preparedness in high-risk regions.
The academy builds on this structure by shifting focus further upstream, enabling humanitarian organisations to strengthen their own logistics capability and operate more independently and efficiently in the field.
Strong uptake signals demand for logistics training
The programme has already been piloted globally, with more than 650 participants from over 80 non-governmental organisations trained across multiple sessions. Feedback indicates that 96% of participants rated the training as valuable, highlighting a clear demand for practical, applied logistics expertise within the humanitarian sector.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the rollout will include training sessions across multiple countries in 2026, including South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Ghana and Nigeria, reflecting the region’s increasing exposure to complex humanitarian logistics challenges.
Strengthening local response capacity
George Wood, Director Customer Operations Sub-Saharan Africa at DHL Express and an active GoHelp volunteer, said the programme is designed to build on the strengths already present within local response ecosystems.
“Sub-Saharan Africa presents both significant logistical challenges and some of the most resourceful and adaptive response environments,” said 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.”
Hands-on training model focused on real-world logistics
DAHL offers a flexible delivery model that includes in-person workshops, virtual learning, warehouse assessments and e-learning modules. Training is delivered by experienced DHL logistics professionals and provided free of charge to ensure accessibility for organisations regardless of size or resource constraints.
The Johannesburg launch marks a key milestone in the global expansion of the academy, reinforcing DHL Group’s broader objective of using logistics expertise to support humanitarian systems and improve disaster readiness through practical, scalable capability building.
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