By Paul Matthew, Global Cold Chain Alliance director for Africa
As we look at 2026, energy strategy remains key for cold chain businesses throughout Africa.
It is not only an essential resource for refrigeration but also one of the highest costs for businesses in our industry. Reliable access to, and efficient consumption of, energy are both fundamental to sustainable temperature- controlled logistics operations.
Continuity of energy access and energy efficiency in cold chain operations are complex challenges requiring action from both national governments and individual businesses. Governments must invest more in energy infrastructure to prevent the necessity of loadshedding, and should prioritise food and healthcare logistics in times of energy shortage. At the same time, cold chain businesses can reduce consumption substantially through a suite of energy efficiency measures and modern technologies.
Some temperature-controlled logistics businesses also have an opportunity to improve their energy security by investing in on-site energy generation. Solar energy generation could be transformational for our industry: collaborative action from businesses and governments can make a huge stride in the right direction towards sustainable energy security for Africa’s food logistics.
Receiving more hours of bright sunshine per year than any other continent, it is no surprise that the Global Solar Council reports that Africa has 60% of the world’s highest solar potential. As solar generation and storage technologies become ever more sophisticated, some businesses have a golden opportunity to convert that plentiful sunshine into energy. Using solar energy generated on site for at least part of a cold chain operation’s energy requirements not only means a major reduction in energy bills, but also provides a level of protection from devastation when energy supply via the grid is interrupted or fails.
Generating solar energy on-site supports environmental sustainability, enabling substantial carbon savings. There could also be potential for certain solar generation projects co-located at cold chain sites to generate carbon credits and open up additional income streams.
There are already some fantastic examples of how on-site solar power generation is playing a central role for Africa’s cold chain businesses.
The Commercial Cold Holdings (CCH) Greenbushes facility in Gqeberha, South Africa has 15 000m2 of cold storage space, with a high-end solar installation and two generators for loadshedding concerns.
Vector Logistics, which operates across southern Africa, has invested in solar panel systems at cold storage sites as well as pairing Volvo Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) truck tractors with innovative solar-powered e-axle trailers in refrigerated transportation services. It’s also positive to see the growingprovision of solar powered cold rooms to reduce post-harvest food loss across the continent.
There are, however, a number of barriers preventing more cold chain businesses from accessing the many benefits of investing in on-site solar generation. Every cold chain site and operational set-up is unique, so identifying the best approaches and technologies for an individual site often requires skilled assessment and sometimes a tailored solution. While the cost of solar equipment and installations has come down substantially, there is still often a requirement for significant capital investment. And depending on the location, planning restrictions can be cumbersome and time consuming to address.
A number of clear actions would help facilitate and drive a great surge of solar panel projects on cold chain sites in Africa. GCCA has been engaging with governments and regional development authorities to show how policy can incentivise and support cold chain operators to invest in renewable energy; and how these projects can contribute towards renewable generation capacity targets, such as those set out as part of the Nairobi Declaration. The suite of policies needing further exploration and discussion include reduction of barriers such as zoning restrictions for co-locating renewable energy at cold chain sites; providing tax incentives for cold chain businesses investing in renewable energy; and establishing funding mechanisms for energy-efficient technologies and storage solutions.
Africa’s energy future will surely be built on our extraordinary solar resource. Cold chain businesses have an opportunity to be at the forefront of our continent’s energy transformation. GCCA will continue to work with our members throughout Africa, governmental bodies and policymakers, regional development authorities and other stakeholders to help bring this vision to fruition.