By Eamonn Ryan
While innovation in transport refrigeration can mitigate some aspects of food loss, Africa faces a broader structural challenge: the lack of widespread, reliable cold chain infrastructure.
In a recent episode of the Healthy Spaces podcast, host Dominique Silva spoke with Claudio Zanframundo and Renier Du Preez, CEO of Digistics and Advisory Council member of the Global Cold Chain Alliance, about opportunities to address food waste on the continent.
Du Preez estimated that in many African countries, as much as 30% of food is lost post-harvest simply because there is no cold storage infrastructure. This loss contributes to food insecurity, economic inefficiencies and additional carbon emissions when food must be replanted and transported. For him, these challenges are not abstract; they are tangible issues affecting families, farmers and urban consumers alike.
He highlighted that the opportunity lies in decentralised, potentially off-grid refrigeration solutions. Small, self-sustaining cold storage facilities could enable farmers and communities to preserve food longer, stabilise local markets and reduce post-harvest losses. These solutions would not rely on unreliable national grids and could harness renewable energy such as solar or even small-scale wind power.
Du Preez emphasised the role of collaboration between private companies, government agencies and industry associations such as the GCCA Africa Advisory Council. By pooling expertise and resources, stakeholders can design systems that are technically feasible, financially sustainable and scalable across diverse African contexts.
For businesses, strengthening the cold chain across Africa also supports trade. Reliable refrigeration allows for extended storage, reduces spoilage and lowers transport risks. This is especially important as African economies pursue regional trade agreements and aim to integrate supply chains across borders.
The discussion also pointed to innovation in circular logistics and energy management. Renewable energy, battery technology, and kinetic energy recovery are not just for urban areas or large companies. When adapted to small-scale facilities, they can bring refrigeration to communities that currently lack access, bridging the gap between technological capability and societal need.
Ultimately, addressing food waste in Africa requires a systems-level approach: combining cold chain technology, energy resilience, operational innovation and local knowledge. Leaders like Du Preez demonstrate that solutions are available today, but success depends on collaboration, investment and context-specific implementation.
For South African readers and policymakers, the message is clear: improving cold chain infrastructure is essential to reduce food loss, enhance food security and lower emissions – a critical opportunity for business, government and civil society alike.