Green Logistics Innovation for Emerging Markets Driving Competitiveness and Shared Value 2025

Call to action: a global agenda for green logistics The successful implementation of the innovative levers and enablers discussed in chapters 2 and 3 requires actions from different ecosystem players. Governments The role of government entities is pivotal in spearheading the development of a cohesive and comprehensive regulatory framework that enables and accelerates the scaling of green logistics infrastructure and solutions. To catalyse the necessary investment, stable polices, targeted subsidies and incentives that encourage financial institutions to develop innovative blended finance tools are essential. Addressing the human capital gap is also a key responsibility; governments could promote the upskilling of logistics professionals by formally integrating green logistics into national curricula and sponsoring specialized training programmes. Additionally, national governments could take active roles at the international level, engaging in intergovernmental cooperation to standardize green logistics practices, harmonize regulatory frameworks, and facilitate cross-border investments and knowledge transfer. Finally, to ensure sustainable development, governments should collaborate with private-sector players in the construction of green infrastructure and establish robust communication channels to continuously solicit industry feedback, which can support the development of relevant and effective policies. Logistics industry players Logistics industry players, for their part, could adopt a proactive stance in driving the green transition. Proactive communication with stakeholders is essential to convey actionable insights and align efforts. This involves providing governments with practical feedback on regulatory effectiveness, clearly articulating financial needs to financial institutions, aligning services with the evolving demands of the market and collaborating with academia to tailor R&D for commercialization. This commitment also extends to the internal upskilling of their workforces to effectively adopt advanced technologies. Furthermore, active participation in industry alliances is crucial for co-creating industry-wide standards and developing shared infrastructure, while deeper engagement in PPP projects will be essential for executing large-scale, transformative initiatives.Shippers and cargo owners Securing bankable, long-term offtake agreements is key to providing the certainty needed by suppliers and investors. To achieve this, demand-side actors can engage proactively with logistics providers and financial institutions, clearly communicating anticipated volumes and timelines while jointly developing contractual frameworks that address cost uncertainties and shifting regulatory environments. Additionally, demand-side companies could consider collaborative procurement strategies, aggregating demand with industry peers to create sufficient scale and mitigate individual risk. Financial institutions The financial sector has a critical role in creating innovative financing models tailored to the unique characteristics of green logistics (e.g. through long life cycle asset renewals and large-scale infrastructure projects). Traditional financing mechanisms are often inadequate for this transition. Multinational development banks play a pivotal role by designing and deploying bespoke financial instruments that can de-risk investments and effectively blend public and private capital. Therefore, it is imperative for these institutions to continue expanding such solutions, unlocking the necessary funding for the sector’s comprehensive transformation. Academia and civil society Academia and civil society form the knowledge and talent backbone of the green logistics ecosystem. Their primary mandate is to cultivate a new generation of logisticians equipped with advanced skills in data analytics and green technology. Through strategic partnerships with industry and financial institutions, they can bridge the gap between research and practical application, helping to translate R&D projects into commercially viable opportunities. Additionally, they can provide vital knowledge support through targeted sessions and workshops, empowering industry players with the latest insights and best practices required to navigate the complexities of the green transition. This shared agenda, targeting everything from fuel standards to fleet financing, provides the roadmap. The time for pilots is over. The moment for scaling green logistics is now. Green Logistics Innovation for Emerging Markets: Driving Competitiveness and Shared Value 30