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 seven 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.
The region is also seeing significant investments in infrastructure, particularly in Senegal. In response to congestion and logistical inefficiencies in and around the Port of Dakar, the government has plans to build a new port north of the city, although it may take several years to complete. Additionally, inland ports are being explored as an alternative solution to alleviate traffic in port areas, allowing goods to be transferred from congested urban centers to rail lines that can move them more efficiently.
Senegal has recently invested in road and highway improvements between major cities and the airport, providing better connectivity for logistics operations. However, once outside of these urban areas, infrastructure challenges persist, leading to food waste and logistical inefficiencies in rural regions. The lack of sufficient transportation infrastructure remains a critical barrier to efficient cold chain operations.
Sector-specific cold chain development
The seafood industry is a key driver of cold chain logistics in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. Both countries have experienced substantial foreign direct investment, particularly from China, India and European countries, which has helped to build the necessary infrastructure for handling perishable goods like fish and seafood. These investments have transformed the cold chain in these nations, making them leaders in exporting seafood to global markets.
In comparison, Ghana’s fisheries industry remains underdeveloped, despite having its own seafood sector. The lack of the same level of foreign investment seen in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire has hindered the growth of the cold chain in Ghana’s fisheries. However, the country is beginning to see increased interest in its seafood sector, suggesting potential for future cold chain improvements.
Retail and grocery investments drive cold chain growth
Modern grocery retailers like Ocean and Carrefour are also significant users of cold chain logistics in West Africa, particularly in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. These retailers are heavily investing in cold storage and transportation systems to meet the demand for perishable goods. Their involvement has spurred some of the most sophisticated cold chain operations in the region, setting a benchmark for future developments in logistics.
Retailers in these countries often rely on refrigerated transportation to maintain the freshness of their products as they expand their reach into more remote regions. The continued growth of these retailers, combined with the expansion of cold chain infrastructure, offers exciting prospects for the logistics sector in West Africa.