DHL Express, a division of Deutsche Post DHL, has described its innovative Certified International Specialists (CIS) and development programme as a major factor driving its growth in African market.

The programme, which is delivered to every employee across the company’s global network, has also been a key intervention in Sub-Saharan Africa, bridging skill gaps and providing comprehensive training for employees.

According to the company’s Managing Director, Randy Buday, in 2012, DHL Express division recorded the highest earnings in its history and this would not have been possible without active workforce.

“CIS has played a fundamental role in the business performance of the company and we have seen how a change management program can really contribute towards the bottom line. Our company in Sub-Saharan Africa posted strong growth last year, continuing to drive the economic growth of the continent, and I believe that CIS is a big part of this growth and our success”, he said.

He noted that the importance of the CIS programme, as solution to skill gap in sub-Saharan Africa, continues to widen as foreign direct investment (FDI) increases and the demand for talents outstrips supply.

“One of the major challenges facing any multinational company operating in Sub-Saharan Africa is the lack of adequate training and education systems, which sometimes fall short of global standards. While we believe we attract the best and brightest talent on the continent, we know there is a critical need to provide additional training and make our African employees feel part of the global network, while also giving them international experience. The CIS platform does just that.”

The program employs innovative learning methodologies to train employees across all functions on the fundamentals of international shipping, enhancing their knowledge of essential aspects, such as import/export documentation, geography and global expertise, as well as transport regulations and processes.

Buday said: “The training sessions are delivered by employees trained facilitators. And through video interviews, it has also engaged former executives of the company in telling the story of the entrepreneurial roots of DHL and the values that helped the company become a global leader in logistics.”

CIS have been delivered to over 100,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide while nearly 4,000 employees in 51 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, making it one of the largest corporate training programmes implemented.