As global trade evolves and the impacts of climate change intensify, logistics companies face a challenge that goes far beyond efficiency and speed. Success will increasingly depend on integrating sustainability and social responsibility into every aspect of logistics operations.

This is according to Nelson Teixeira, managing director of operations for Sub-Saharan Africa at FedEx, who says the future of logistics in South Africa and across the continent will be shaped by how effectively the sector balances environmental responsibility with social impact.

“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 6.1% year-on-year reduction in its Scope 1 emissions, demonstrating measurable momentum toward its goal of carbon-neutral operations by 2040. On the ground, FedEx global fleet transformation is also well underway, with more than 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 equally committed to empowering communities and shaping a stronger, more inclusive economy. Through targeted skills development programmes, the company has opened up pathways for young South Africans to build meaningful careers in logistics, compliance, and technology. These programmes are designed to go beyond creating short-term employment by equipping learners with limited formal qualifications or those living with disabilities, with the tools to participate in and shape the modern logistics sector.

Earlier this year, FedEx donated USD 20 000 (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.”