By Eamonn Ryan
The GCCA Africa conference, which took place on 20–21 August this week, it is worth reviewing the organisation’s 2025 strategy. This is part one of a two-part series.
Paul Matthew, the director of GCCA Africa, earlier this year shared insights into the Global Cold Chain Alliance’s (GCCA) ongoing efforts to enhance the cold storage industry across the African continent.
He outlined key initiatives that include trade missions, mentorship programmes, strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technologies. In developing these initiatives, Matthew works hand-in-hand with GCCA in the US as well as a council.
2025 GCCA Africa Advisory Council
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Upcoming trade missions and conferences
One of the major upcoming initiatives is a trade mission to West Africa planned for April 2025. Together with US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), this mission will bring together cold storage professionals, traders and US exporters, particularly from the meat industry, to explore new opportunities in West Africa. The two-day mission aims to foster stronger partnerships and expand the region’s cold chain infrastructure, providing attendees a first-hand look at the evolving market dynamics.
“This mission is part of a broader strategy that began late in 2024 with a mentorship programme focusing on West Africa under the Global Cold Chain Alliance Foundation. The mentorship initiative was designed to address the region’s cold storage inefficiencies by offering guidance and support to local operators. The upcoming trade mission will build on these efforts, establishing connections that can drive further improvements in the sector.” Matthew also revealed plans to visit East Africa, amid growing interest in the region, to understand local cold chain issues and foster more collaboration.
Looking further ahead, the 2025 GCCA Africa conference is set to take place in Durban in August. This event will serve as a critical gathering for cold chain professionals, offering a platform to discuss pressing industry challenges and innovations.
Expansion of membership in West, Southern and East Africa
With 60% of membership currently being from South Africa – where all the major 3PL players are located – a key goal for GCCA Africa in 2025 is to expand its membership base, hence Matthew’s plans to travel extensively in Africa. Matthew indicated that the initial interest and focus would be on eight African countries, namely Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique and South Africa.
In particular, he pointed to the industrial developments along the Northern Corridor from Mombasa to Nairobi, where cold storage facilities are emerging to support the growing demand for refrigerated transport and storage.
The purpose of the visits is to make potential members aware of the benefits of joining GCCA. Matthew points out that many businesses are not fully aware of the resources available to them through GCCA membership:
- Face-to-face engagement and exclusive access to a global network of partners
- Access to member-exclusive sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities at events
- Advertise in print, publications and digital media
- Company listing in the GCCA Industry Directory & Buyers Guide
- Opportunities to share thought leadership and case studies using targeted marketing and communication vehicles
- Access to industry resources and tools, market intelligence and international development opportunities
- Subscriptions to electronic and print communications featuring top news, trends and industry updates
- Member discounts to GCCA global events
- Align with and leverage GCCA’s cold chain advocacy efforts
- Connect through online communities, virtual platforms, and to serve on select committees