LOGISTICS WITH PURPOSE: Empowering people and protecting the planet
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
The evolving landscape of global trade, coupled with the increasing effects of climate change, presents logistics companies with a mandate that extends beyond mere efficiency and speed. Future success will be intrinsically linked to how effectively sustainability and social responsibility are integrated into all facets of logistics operations.
The future of logistics in South Africa and across the continent hinges on the sector ' s ability to effectively harmonize environmental accountability with social contribution. This perspective is held by Nelson Teixeira, FedEx ' s managing director of operations for Sub-Saharan Africa.
“ Sustainable logistics solutions, such as reducing emissions, optimizing routes and introducing sustainable packaging, play a critical role in minimizing the industry’ s footprint,” explains Teixeira.“ At the same time, empowering communities through skills development, corporate social investment and supporting small businesses, ensures that progress benefits people as much as it does the planet.”
Globally, FedEx has made strong progress in advancing its sustainability goals. In its fiscal year 2024, the company achieved a < Insert > 6.1 % year-on-year reduction in its Scope 1 emissions, demonstrating measurable momentum toward its goal of carbonneutral operations by 2040. On the ground, FedEx global fleet transformation is also well underway, with more than < Insert > 8,000 electric vehicles now in operation, reducing both fuel use and air pollution in the communities it serves.
This global approach to sustainability is mirrored in South Africa, where operations have been consolidated into a more energy-efficient hub in Johannesburg. The facility incorporates technologies such as motion-activated lighting and rainwater harvesting systems, reducing environmental impact while improving operational efficiency.“ Sustainability must be embedded in how we operate every day – whether through electric vehicles, renewable energy, or smarter facilities,” says Teixeira.“ These investments are helping us create long-term value for customers.”
FedEx is dedicated to fostering stronger, more inclusive economies and empowering communities. The company facilitates this through targeted skills development programmes that create pathways for young South Africans— including those with limited formal qualifications or living with disabilities— to build meaningful careers. These initiatives equip participants with the necessary tools for the modern logistics sector, focusing on compliance, technology, and general logistics skills, moving beyond short-term employment to ensure long-term sector participation and growth.
Earlier this year, FedEx donated USD20 000( approximately R360 000) to The Lunchbox Fund, an organization that provides nutritious meals to schoolchildren across the country. Access to food is a critical enabler of education: it improves attendance, focus and long-term outcomes. By supporting this work, FedEx is contributing to the foundation of job readiness long before young people enter the workforce.
The impact of these sustained efforts has resulted in FedEx achieving a Level 2 B-BBEE rating. But for the company, this isn’ t just a compliance milestone. It’ s proof that strategic, purpose-driven action can create lasting change for people, communities and business alike.
“ Through making deliberate efforts to give our learners a competitive edge and being actively involved in the communities we serve, we are witnessing meaningful impact in improving peoples’ circumstances,” says Teixeira“ Our Level 2 rating reflects the collective effort of our teams to empower communities and contribute to South Africa’ s economic growth. The logistics sector has an enormous capacity to drive positive change. By using our scale and expertise responsibly, we can help accelerate Africa’ s growth while protecting both the environment and the communities that sustain it.”
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2025 15 WORDS IN ACTION