Chennai | 14 November: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the world’s 5th largest jewellery retailer and a pioneer in corporate social responsibility in India, has announced the global expansion of its flagship Hunger Free World initiative to Ethiopia. Following its remarkable impact across India and Zambia, the initiative now scales to its next phase on the African continent.
A Global Vision Rooted in India’s Ethos of Compassion
The Hunger Free World program embodies India’s values of empathy, community upliftment, and inclusive growth. By consistently allocating 5% of its net profits—more than twice the mandated CSR requirement in India—Malabar has built a powerful, scalable model that addresses hunger and educational inequality.
This expansion signals how Indian enterprise can transform local success into a global movement for social change.
Official Announcement in Dubai
The expansion was formally announced at the Malabar International Hub in the Dubai Gold Souq.
During the event:
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Mr. Abdul Salam K.P, Vice Chairman, Malabar Group, presented the Letter of Intent
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to H.E. Asmelash Bekele, Consul General of Ethiopia in Dubai
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in the presence of senior leaders of Malabar Gold & Diamonds.
The Hunger Free World program is among the company’s most influential ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) initiatives. Currently, it serves over 115,000 meals daily across 119 global locations. The Ethiopia expansion follows the program’s success in Zambia, where over 900,000 meals have been delivered across three schools since May 2024.
Leadership Speaks: A Commitment to Global Impact
M.P. Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group
“Hunger Free World is one of the most meaningful ESG initiatives championed by Malabar Group. As a responsible jeweller, our commitment to the communities we serve goes beyond business. By partnering with the Ethiopian government, we will be investing over USD 864,000 across two years to reach 10,000 children with daily meals by 2026, while developing educational infrastructure to promote excellence.”
Abdul Salam K.P, Vice Chairman, Malabar Group
“Community upliftment has been central to our brand ethos. Through Hunger Free World, we have witnessed how daily nutrition can transform individuals and entire communities. Extending this program to Ethiopia takes us closer to our mission of eliminating hunger and advancing educational equity worldwide.”
Shamlal Ahamed, MD – International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds
“The move to Ethiopia reflects our belief that nutrition and quality education form the foundation of a brighter future. In the initial phase, we will work with five schools in Adama City (Oromia region), benefiting around 11,000 children. Our initiatives will include daily meal programs, scholarships, digital literacy, library development, mentorship, and more.”
Aligned with Global Development Goals
The expansion aligns with several key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
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Zero Hunger
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Quality Education
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Gender Equality
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Partnerships for the Goals
The Ethiopia project will follow a community-centric approach, involving:
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Parents, teachers, and local authorities
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Partnerships with local schools and suppliers
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Employment generation and sustainable stewardship
A Legacy of Purpose-Driven ESG Commitments
Since its inception in 1993, Malabar Group has prioritized ESG commitments across all geographies it operates in. Core focus areas include:
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Health
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Hunger Free World
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Housing
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Education
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Women Empowerment
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Environment
The group’s ESG goals continue to evolve, ensuring that Malabar remains a socially conscious and globally responsible organization.
