Lac Rose, 9 October 2023 – In a strategic move to enhance road safety in West and Central Africa, Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This new collaboration seeks to elevate the proficiency of professional UN and UNDP drivers operating within the sub-region.

The partnership commenced with a two-part intensive certification programme from 2 – 13 October. Involving more than 36 participants from various UN organizations in the sub-region, the programme offers a robust curriculum – covering everything from fundamental road safety tenets to advanced vehicle recovery techniques – equipping professional drivers and their respective agencies with requisite skills for peace and development interventions across the sub-region.

“By joining hands with UNDP, we aim to create a lasting impact in the region, ensuring that our combined expertise not only enhances transport and logistics skills but also contributes to improved road safety and the broader goals of sustainable development,” said Fred Burgod, Co-CEO of Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings Ltd.

Through this partnership, TGS has meticulously crafted a series of training programmes aligned with UN standards. These tailor-made programmes are designed to address the evolving challenges in transportation and logistics, guaranteeing participants access to cutting-edge training solutions.

A highlight of this initiative is a certification scheme, which offers an exhaustive exploration into the complexities of navigating varied terrains, hands-on training in advanced vehicular technologies, mastering fleet management and recovery, and achieving operational cost-efficiency, with drivers receiving safe driving certifications upon successful completion of the programme.

“Drivers are the engines of the UN System and play a crucial role in everything we do,” said Njoya Tikum, Director, UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa and Resident Representative, UNDP Senegal. “With this partnership model, we are building the capacity of our drivers and promoting a driving culture that is synonymous with safety,” he added.

This unique collaboration reflects a mutual vision of both TGS and UNDP. By combining the distinct expertise of both organizations, this partnership will enhance the capacities of UNDP professional drivers supporting the implementation of key development initiatives in West and Central Africa, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where life-saving support is needed.

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Notes to Editors:

About Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS)

TGS is Toyota Tsusho Corporation’s authorised specialized distributor of Toyota vehicles and spare parts to aid humanitarian agencies in rapid relief, emergency and development projects worldwide.

TGS aim to uphold the Toyota philosophy and culture. This means that our values and vision steer our training services toward continuous improvement: Kaizen, the quality and reliability of the Toyota brand and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, the training is designed to improve the capacity of existing drivers, mechanics and fleet supervisors, therefore saving costs and expanding the life span of vehicle fleets.

Learn more at https://www.toyota-gib.com/eng/index.html

About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at www.undp.org/africa/waca

For more information and media enquiries, contact:

• Catherine Richardson, Technical and Fleet Training Assistant Manager, Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings | catherine.richardson@toyota-gib.com
• Hamadou Adama Ba, Communications Analyst, UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa | hamadou.adama.ba@undp.org
• Ugochukwu Kingsley Ahuchaogu, Regional Communications Analyst, UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa | ugochukwu.kingsley@undp.org 

Explore photos from the event: Flickr