By Eamonn Ryan derived from the webinar.
The Global Cold Chain Foundation (GCCF) recently completed an important study on the cold chain sector in West Africa, specifically in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. The webinar that accompanied the study highlighted the findings and recommendations from the assessment. This is part 14 of a 14-part series covering a webinar on this topic.

The webinar featured a panel of experts, including Greg Laurin from Conestoga Cold Storage, Nicholas Pedneault from Congebec, Roudy Akiki from CT-Technologies, and GCCF Africa’s own Paul Matthew, Amanda Brondy and Madison Jaco.
In West Africa, cold chain infrastructure remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas where energy access and the availability of adequate storage facilities are limited. These challenges lead to substantial post-harvest losses, which affect the region’s ability to preserve perishable goods, improve food security and enhance trade. However, as the panellists from the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) and the broader cold chain industry discussed during the recent webinar, solutions are being developed that promise to address these gaps and improve infrastructure in the region in the coming years.
Energy and infrastructure constraints
Rural West Africa faces a lack of cold storage facilities, which limits the capacity to store perishable goods and exacerbates the region’s food security issues. Beyond warehousing challenges, energy constraints are another significant hurdle, as access to reliable energy sources is inconsistent across countries in the region. In some areas, access to energy is limited, making it difficult to power refrigeration units needed for cold storage. Conversely, other areas are seeing the rise of renewable energy sources like solar power, which provide hope for improving energy access in remote locations.
In Ghana, for example, large urban centres such as Tema and Accra are home to cold storage facilities, but there is also increasing development in secondary cities like Takoradi. Similarly, in Senegal, major urban centres like Dakar have well-established cold storage infrastructure, but other regions are also beginning to see growth in cold chain facilities as local infrastructure improves.
The role of large operators
While rural areas continue to struggle with cold chain infrastructure, large, international logistics companies are making significant investments in the region. For instance, companies like AGL Africa (formerly Bolloré Africa Logistics), Maersk, and CMA CGM are key players in West Africa’s cold chain landscape. These organisations, with their vast networks and financial backing, are in a position to build sophisticated cold storage facilities that can serve not only urban areas but also provide solutions for rural markets by improving distribution networks and reducing barriers to entry.
The scale of these companies’ investments is evident in their operations. Although exact pallet positions for all facilities are not publicly available, the scale of some projects indicates the growing commitment to cold chain development. For example, a new 5 000-pallet cold storage facility in Senegal is expected to be one of the largest in the country once completed. Similarly, a 3 000-pallet facility being developed in Accra, Ghana, will stand as one of the largest in the city.
One notable example of a local development is a large cold storage facility being built in Côte d’Ivoire, with plans for up to 10 000-pallet positions. Such developments signal a growing interest in cold chain infrastructure and a recognition of the sector’s potential in West Africa. However, as panellists pointed out during the webinar, the scalability of such facilities is often contingent on the ability to navigate challenges related to energy, logistics, and financing.
In addition to infrastructure development, there is a need for continued investment in workforce training and capacity building to ensure that cold chain facilities can operate efficiently and sustainably. Local governments must play a role in providing incentives and support for cold chain infrastructure projects, ensuring that the benefits of development are felt across the region, not just in urban centres.
As the cold chain industry continues to grow in West Africa, it will be essential to balance large-scale investments with localised solutions that can address the specific needs of rural communities. By leveraging international expertise, supporting local operators, and improving infrastructure, West Africa has the potential to become a leader in cold chain logistics in Africa, improving food security, reducing waste and supporting economic growth across the region.
In conclusion, while challenges remain, the future of cold chain infrastructure in West Africa looks promising. With continued investment and collaboration among stakeholders, the region can build a more resilient and efficient cold chain system that will support its growing economies and improve the livelihoods of its people.