The following article on his first year in office was written by Paul Matthew, Director for Africa at the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA). It is Part 2 of a two-part series.
Throughout the year I will be engaging with various stakeholders, including government entities, private sector companies, and agricultural organisations, to promote best practices and innovative solutions in cold chain management.
A key aspect of our strategy is capacity building for members of the industry through projects. These include training programmes to educate local workers on cold chain operations, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. I will be driving an instate concept, as well as specific skills training and industry regulation training through the GCCA Africa Risk Management Committee.
Another priority focus for GCCA Africa in 2025 is supporting adoption of new and emerging technologies. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the cold chain in parts of Africa, not least through predictive analytics to help forecast demand and reduce waste; temperature monitoring using AI sensors; route planning for refrigerated transport deliveries informed by traffic patterns, cross-border delays, weather conditions and delivery windows; AI-driven automation in cold storage facilities; and monitoring energy use in refrigeration using AI systems.
The cold chain can play a major role in developing African trade in 2025 and beyond, both at global and intra-Africa levels. GCCA Africa will be helping our members gear up to maintain the integrity of products through temperature control, which is especially important for exports, enhancing the competitiveness of African products in global markets. We will also continue promoting the fact that investing in the cold chain can help the continent access the potential benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In 2025 our Call to Action strategy will strengthen the African cold chain’s partnerships with policymakers to establish supportive regulations and incentives that foster growth in the temperature-controlled logistics sector. We will be working to ensure a widespread understanding of our industry’s crucial role in reducing food spoilage and improving Africa’s food supply chain resilience.
This is a time of change and uncertainties for the cold chain, and GCCA will continue helping our members in Africa navigate a successful course that overcomes the challenges and capitalises on the opportunities, for 2025 and beyond.