Seventh edition of Toyota Logistic Design Competition turns its attention to Africa

Collaborative thinking

Toyota Material Handling Europe, developer of award-winning forklift design solutions and material handling equipment, strongly believes in collaborative design. Young talent brings in creative ideas leading to innovative solutions. Since the start, in 2014, the Toyota Logistic Design Competition - TLDC in short - has steadily grown, generating a global spirit over the years and drawing in talent from around the world.

Laurent Bouzige, Chief Designer Strategy & Mobility at Toyota Europe Design Development, is thrilled with the new partner: “Welcoming Toyota Open Labs as a partner to the competition creates fantastic opportunities. It builds new bridges between creativity, technological innovation and real-world impact, in direct resonance with this year’s challenge and its African focus.”

Impactful design to overcome logistics & delivery challenges

The key question designers are asked is How might we reimagine delivery solutions to overcome infrastructure and accessibility, availability and affordability challenges in Africa? A lack of structured road networks or standardised addressing system makes it harder to reach or locate African customers. A fragmented logistics landscape contributes to increased operational costs for first and last mile delivery. Particularly in certain regions, safety and security is also a big concern.

“In a world where we rely on mostly physical manpower and small vehicles to navigate the various infrastructure challenges in Africa”, explains Magnus Oliveira Andersson, Head of Design at Toyota Material Handling Europe, “the need for innovative solutions is great. Addressing these challenges with impactful, circular design not only improves connectivity and access but also drives economic growth, enhances trade opportunities and impacts individual lives in meaningful ways.”

Judging criteria

The competition accepts entries in 4 different categories: Product Design, Digital Platforms, Business Innovation and an open category, welcoming unique and creative entries that don't fit into traditional categories but demonstrate significant impact or innovation.

Ideas pitched should offer efficient solutions that compliment or improve transportation in first and last mile delivery, streamline logistics processes or improve connectivity in delivery operations. Designers are challenged to think of opportunities to give underserved communities access to important supplies such as medicine, food and educational materials. Looking at the bigger picture, stronger and improved local systems support international trade and contribute to a better quality of life for society at large.

More than a competition

The Toyota Logistic Design Competition is more than what the title implies. It’s a platform for young designers to showcase their creativity on a global stage and it’s an open invitation for fresh, innovative ideas that drive real change and leapfrog conventional barriers.

Registration ends December 1st, 2025, and winners will be announced next summer.