Kia Advances Community Self-Reliance in Albania and Zimbabwe Through Green Light Project
- Kia
- 2026.07.31 (KST)
- 분량8min
- 조회수 1,216Views
- Kia completes handover of Green Light Project operations in Albania and Zimbabwe to local communities, supporting long-term self-reliance
- Albania initiative expanded healthcare access and economic opportunities for families of children with disabilities
- Zimbabwe program supported agricultural and mining development through infrastructure, training and mobility solutions
SEOUL, July 31, 2026 – Kia Corporation today announced the successful completion of its Green Light Project (GLP) initiatives in Albania and Zimbabwe and the handover of project operations to local communities, marking another milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainable community development and self-reliance.
Albania and Zimbabwe are the 13th and 14th GLP sites to complete the transition process. As Kia’s flagship global social contribution program, GLP helps communities build sustainable foundations in healthcare, education and economic opportunity, with the long-term goal of enabling community-led self-reliance.
“The core objective of the Green Light Project is to enable sustainable, community-led operations long after Kia’s direct involvement concludes. By handing over project ownership and management to local communities, we help communities continue creating meaningful impact independently.” – Duk Hyun Lee, Vice President and Head of Sustainability Management Group at Kia Corporation
How has Kia supported community self-reliance in Albania?
Since 2023, Kia has partnered with World Vision to improve healthcare accessibility and support economic self-reliance for families of children with disabilities in and around Librazhd, Albania. The region faces elevated disability rates linked to historical mining-related contamination, while its mountainous geography limits access to healthcare services.
To address these challenges, Kia supported:
- Construction of the Multi-Purpose Healthcare Center for children with disabilities
- Mobile rehabilitation services for children with disabilities using Kia vehicles to reach families in remote areas, alongside homecare education programs for caregivers
- Agricultural production support and improved market access to help families generate sustainable income
As a result, approximately 4,300 people gained access to healthcare services and income-generation opportunities.
How did the Green Light Project create economic opportunities in Zimbabwe?
Kia has worked with international relief and development NGO Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI) since 2023 to strengthen economic self-reliance among vulnerable communities in Wedza, Zimbabwe. The region’s agricultural and mining sectors face persistent challenges including climate change, limited irrigation infrastructure and inadequate access to equipment and safety resources.
To support sustainable economic development, Kia implemented initiatives focused on:
- Agricultural infrastructure, including solar-powered water systems, irrigation facilities and fish farming operations
- Mining equipment, safety gear and workplace improvements
- Community outreach training programs using Kia vehicles to deliver technical skills, equipment management and safety education across agricultural and mining communities
Through these efforts, approximately 34,000 local residents benefited from improved living conditions, increased income opportunities and skills development programs.
What comes next for the Green Light Project?
Since its launch in 2012, GLP has supported 19 sites across 15 countries in Africa, Europe and Asia. A key feature of the program is the handover of project ownership and operations to local communities once they are capable of operating independently. With the successful transitions in Albania and Zimbabwe, a total of 14 sites have now been transferred to local communities.
Kia plans to continue monitoring both projects over the coming years to support stable local operation and long-term sustainability. The company will also continue supporting the remaining five GLP sites through 2027 as they work toward developing self-sustaining community-led operating models.
As a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider, Kia continues its social contribution activities under the mission of contributing to the free and safe movement of people through sustainable mobility.
Kia Green Light Project at a Glance
| Category | Green Light Project |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2012 |
| Countries Supported | 15 |
| Project Sites | 19 |
| Newly Transitioned Sites | Albania and Zimbabwe |
| Total Sites Transitioned | 14 |
| Remaining Active Sites | 5 |
| Support Period for Remaining Sites | Through 2027 |
