In a context of high intra-African mobility, vocational training is now considered essential for promoting the socio-economic integration of migrants, enhancing their employability, and transforming migration into a genuine driver of development. Although many young Africans are moving within the continent in search of opportunities, accessing skills suited to the labour market remains a significant challenge. Investing in training, particularly in growth sectors such as logistics and supply chain management, meets the needs of local economies and harnesses the potential of migrants, whether they are on the move or returning to their country of origin.

Against this backdrop, the Ubuntu Academy has been launched. This new online training academy is the brainchild of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and DHL Global Forwarding, the DHL Group’s specialised division for air, sea and road freight.

Academy to train 10,000 young Africans in logistics professions

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Deutsche Post DHL Group (DHL) have officially launched an academy in Ghana with the ambition of training 10,000 young Africans in logistics and supply chain management professions over the next few years. The project is designed as a scalable model and also aims to encourage private sector involvement in creating sustainable employment opportunities by ensuring that learners’ skills align with the real needs of the labour market.

For the IOM, this initiative represents a new approach to migrant integration. “Partnerships with the private sector are essential to harnessing the potential of young Africans and ensuring that migration delivers on its development promise,” said Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, IOM Chief of Mission in Ghana, Togo and Benin.

“We are deliberately redefining the concept of reintegration. This involves creating real opportunities in the labour market and promoting sustainable growth. Returning home can mark the beginning of a new chapter, paving the way for meaningful employment and financial independence.” 

This approach is particularly relevant in the context of intra-African migration, where many returns occur without structured support, which limits prospects for reintegration.

Innovative training powered by artificial intelligence

Supported by DHL’s GoTeach initiative, the Ubuntu Academy uses AI to provide flexible, self-paced online training. The modules cover supply chain management, international logistics and cross-functional skills such as time management, decision-making and collaboration.

By combining private-sector expertise with international-development objectives, the programme addresses one of the continent’s major challenges: providing concrete economic opportunities for its rapidly growing young population while supporting the sustainable reintegration of returning migrants.

Strong signal of confidence in African youth

For DHL, the Ubuntu Academy in Ghana is a clear sign of commitment to employment and skills development on the continent. “The launch of the Ubuntu Academy in Ghana is a clear sign of confidence in the potential of young Ghanaians and returning migrants,” said Egidio Monteiro, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Sub-Saharan Africa.

“By training them in in-demand skills, we are creating opportunities for them within DHL and across the entire market. When these young people succeed, their families, communities and countries move forward with them. That is the spirit of Ubuntu.” 

The Ubuntu Academy already has more than 200 active users on its digital learning platform. The first participants have given positive feedback about the practical training, which is rooted in real-life work situations and helps them to clarify their career goals and strengthen their skills.

This model has already demonstrated its success in other countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and the Philippines. There, a similar programme called the Tulaya Academy which has helped many graduates find jobs in the supply chain sector. Some former learners now work directly for DHL.

Since 2022, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has facilitated the voluntary return of over 170,000 migrants in West and Central Africa, including over 6,000 in Ghana. Although Ghana is a strategic starting point, the initiative is intended to extend across the entire African continent to reach a growing number of young people and intra-African migrants.

Funded by the European Union under the MPRR-SSA programme (Protection, Return and Reintegration of Migrants in Sub-Saharan Africa), the project is implemented by IOM, illustrating the importance of international and multisectoral cooperation in transforming migration into an opportunity for development.