NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, NOV 15
Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the world’s fifth-largest jewellery retailer and a global leader in socially responsible business, has taken another transformative step in its corporate social responsibility (CSR) journey by expanding its flagship Hunger Free World initiative to Ethiopia. The program, which has already created significant social impact across India and Zambia, now enters its next phase on the African continent — underscoring Malabar’s vision of building a world free from hunger and educational inequity.
- CSR trailblazer expands flagship program to ethiopia after transforming lives across India and Zambia
- Company reinforces pledge to invest 5% of profits in community welfare — double India’s CSR mandate
- Over 115,000 meals served daily worldwide; new phase targets 10,000 Ethiopian children by 2026
The announcement was made at a ceremony held at the Malabar International Hub in Dubai Gold Souq, where Abdul Salam K.P, Vice Chairman of Malabar Group, handed over the Letter of Intent to H.E. Asmelash Bekele, Consul General of Ethiopia in Dubai. Senior management members of Malabar Gold & Diamonds were present at the event.
Expanding a Model of Compassion and Impact
Rooted in India’s values of compassion and shared progress, the Hunger Free World program exemplifies how an Indian enterprise can create global social transformation from local success. By dedicating 5% of its net profits—more than double the mandated CSR allocation in India—Malabar continues to redefine the meaning of responsible corporate citizenship.
Currently, the initiative provides over 115,000 meals daily across 119 locations worldwide. In Zambia alone, the program has served 900,000 meals across three schools since May 2024. The new Ethiopia chapter will begin by working with five schools in Adama City (Oromia region), reaching nearly 11,000 children through daily nutrition, scholarships, digital learning, and infrastructure development.
Commitment to Global Development Goals
“As a responsible jeweller, our commitment extends far beyond business. The millions of lives touched by Hunger Free World reflect our mission of sustainable and inclusive growth,” said M.P. Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group. “Through our partnership with the Ethiopian government, we will invest USD 864,000 over the next two years, aiming to reach 10,000 children with daily meals by 2026 while promoting educational excellence.”
Echoing the sentiment, Abdul Salam K.P, Vice Chairman, Malabar Group, said, “Community upliftment has been part of our brand DNA from inception. Access to daily nutrition can transform not just individual lives but entire communities. Expanding to Ethiopia brings us closer to our mission of eradicating hunger and ensuring education equity globally.”
A Global CSR Blueprint
Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director – International Operations, emphasized that the expansion aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Partnerships for the Goals. “Our Ethiopia initiative will adopt a community-centric approach involving parents, teachers, and local partners to ensure sustainable, locally owned impact,” he added.
Since its inception in 1993, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has placed ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) principles at the core of its operations. Its CSR efforts focus on healthcare, hunger eradication, housing, education, women’s empowerment, and environmental protection, reinforcing its reputation as a global brand with a human heart.
