DHL, UNIDO team up to reduce food waste in African markets

15 / 12 / 2023

By Marwa Nassar - -

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and logistics company DHL Group signed a memorandum of understanding with an aim to enhance food preservation, reduce food waste in African markets, and improve global market accessibility for producers.

The memo was signed within the framework of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28). The event featured the partnership signing ceremony and the launch of the “Innovation for Food Systems Transformation” global innovation challenge by UNIDO and DHL Group.

Fueled by the collective expertise of both entities, this collaboration strives to transform agribusiness and climate-related initiatives.

The Innovation Challenge serves as a beacon, seeking out trailblazing technology providers who have designed sustainable solutions within agribusiness supply chains and logistics. These solutions ought to be designed to address hurdles within the ‘first-mile’ supply chain, enhance the livelihoods of farmers, and champion the adoption of a sustainable food system that eliminates all forms of waste. Emphasizing a keen interest in multiple sectors that foster innovative solutions at the crossroads of logistics and sustainability, the collaboration focuses on clean technology, perishable logistics, new sustainable business models, smart solutions, and sustainable packaging and containers.

Gunther Beger, Managing Director of UNIDO’s Directorate for SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, underscored the commitment to fostering economic transformation and driving innovation for enduring positive change. “This partnership with DHL Group holds immense potential in addressing food security and establishing sustainable food supply chains,” affirmed Beger. “Uniting industry expertise and innovative solutions is paramount in tackling global challenges and nurturing a more sustainable future.”

Steven Pope, Head of Trade Facilitation at DHL Group, expressed “DHL Group and UNIDO join hands, committed to minimizing food waste and shifting the paradigms of agriculture. I am proud to sign this Memorandum of Understanding on DHL’s behalf as I believe that this partnership is a beacon of hope. We continue our way towards a more sustainable and equitable global food system, with the aim of uplifting the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring that they will see sustainable benefits in this transformative journey towards a better, more resilient agricultural future.”

This partnership stands as a testament to joined efforts aimed at redefining the future of agribusiness, sustainability, and global impact. Through innovative solutions and concerted actions, UNIDO and DHL pave the way for a world where food waste is minimized, sustainability is prioritized, and markets are inclusive and thriving for producers.