Since 2021, Agility has supported International Rescue Committee (IRC) employment training programs in Cote D’Ivoire. In coordination with Ivorian NGO PRO-Jeunes, IRC provided skills development and training to 545 young people.

In one program, Agility provides classroom space at its Abijan Logistics Park, as well as computers, internet access and funding for free training. The on-site training includes life skills, ICT, entrepreneurial skills and digital marketing. The training program has multiple groups of approximately 20 students each taking classes at the Agility Training Center.

A second program provides agriculture and agribusiness training at a local community farm and includes instruction in traditional farming and fish farming, including how to prepare, build, maintain and manage productive farming operations.

The partnership between PRO-Jeunes, IRC and Agility has proved to be exceptionally effective. Due to its success, in 2023 the Ivorian government also contributed funding and helped to manage these local programs using government facilities, land and resources. IRC and Agility will continue supporting the ICT, life skills and entrepreneurial skills development program, as well as work with the agricultural skills development program in other areas.

From 2021 through 2023, we reached 545+ people.

Agility, a leading global logistics provider, has donated the transportation of nine tons of medical materials from China to Uganda for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo.

The donation, through One Million Kilos, Chapter 1 of Qatar Airways Cargo’s sustainability program “WeQare” included more than 50,000 surgical kits to be used at hospitals and medical centers in Kampala, Uganda. In China, Agility’s teams received, inspected and packaged the materials for export. The cargo was flown to Kampala, Uganda, by Qatar Airways Cargo; upon arrival, Agility facilitated customs clearance and delivered the goods to UNHCR.

Michael Blaufuss, Agility SVP of Air Freight, said: “This project demonstrates the value that Agility brings to its customers and charity partners. Our teams were able to work quickly with UNHCR and its vendors to export the medical gowns during the holiday period, and get them to in Kampala. The donation of space by Qatar Airways Cargo was critical in getting the supplies to the destination quickly.”

‘1 Million Kilos’ is the first chapter of WeQare, where charities were able to use the services of Qatar Airways Cargo through freight forwarders and transport humanitarian aid and medical supplies all over the world, free of charge.

Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how essential air freight is in the time of crisis.  Through WeQare’s One Million Kilos campaign, we are pleased to support Agility and UNHCR in transporting essential supplies to places where they are needed the most. “

Nader El Nakib, Head of Private Sector Partnership; Kuwait, said “This donation will be used by UNHCR’s medical teams to help displaced persons receive improved medical care, while protecting UNHCR’s frontline health workers. We are especially grateful that Agility and Qatar Airways were able to provide these international air cargo services during the global pandemic. This donation means UNHCR can redirect funding to support other beneficiaries in need of assistance.”

Agility has a globally recognized sustainability program, covering humanitarian logistics, community volunteerism, fair labor and environmental sustainability. Agility is part of the FTSE4Good Index Series, a resource used by investors to identify companies around the world with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. Agility is also ranked in the top 10% of all companies and the top 4% of the logistics industry for overall sustainability performance by EcoVadis. Since 2006, Agility has responded to 75+ humanitarian crises since 2006 across the world.

National Aviation Services (NAS) has joined the Ugandan Civil Aviation Authority’s efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by introducing electric forklifts and tractors into its operations in the country.

Twelve new electric vehicles replace traditional diesel-fueled equipment for baggage and cargo handling around the aircrafts, ensuring a quieter and cleaner working environment in the baggage sorting area. By switching from fuel to electric-powered equipment, there are several environmental benefits, including reduced petroleum and fuel consumption and improved air quality, particularly at indoor facilities. The equipment is also smaller in size, occupying lesser space and leaving more room for maneuvering. Investments like these are not just good for the environment, but lead to operational savings.

NAS, a signatory of the UN Global Compact, envisions future investments into electric and solar-powered equipment on the ramp and baggage sorting area. In Uganda NAS manages 25 flights daily, with 1.3 million passengers and 2.6 million bags handled annually. The operations are serviced by 810 employees.

From a story originally published here.

Tristar Kenya’s Office in Nairobi oversaw the construction of two new sanitary facilities for both boys and girls, with bio-digesters, modern cisterns and flowing water, sanitary bins and hand wash dispensers.

Agility launched a community vocational training program at the Agility Logistics Park (ALP) in Tema, Ghana, in collaboration with Oiada International, a local NGO, to provide free vocational and technical training to 180 local young adults in electrical work, brickmaking, and basic IT and computer skills. The goal is to empower students to find employment using the practical skills they learn in the program.