United Nations case study

UN: Blocks for transport

Industry
Government
Category
Supply Chain
Challenge
Transporting aid packages from Djibouti to Ethiopia faces significant delays, with the process taking up to 25 days due to bureaucratic administrative procedures. The cumbersome nature of obtaining and sharing multiple documents among various stakeholders contributes to inefficiencies in the transportation process, hindering the timely delivery of critical aid.
Solution
In response to these challenges, the World Food Programme (WFP) partnered with Applied Blockchain to develop a multi-party system aimed at streamlining document management and approval processes. The Blocks for Transport project was conceived to enable stakeholders to upload and share necessary documentation digitally, facilitating smoother and more efficient transportation of aid packages from Djibouti to Ethiopia.
Outcome
The solution developed by Applied Blockchain is currently undergoing real-user testing as part of an iterative design process to ensure alignment with the needs and workflows of stakeholders involved in the transportation process. By digitising document management and approval procedures, the Blocks for Transport project holds the potential to significantly reduce the time required for aid packages to travel from Djibouti to Ethiopia, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of humanitarian logistics operations. By leveraging data sources such as population size, transportation routes, and nutritional value of food, the WFP’s Optimus system provides vital insights regarding ideal food basket design, food sourcing techniques, and distribution networks.  The initiative’s objective is to enhance aid delivery by improving logistics and ensuring timely transportation of critical supplies, ultimately contributing to the fight against food insecurity in the region.