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Leveraging AfCFTA for cold chain growth

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 13 of a 14-part series covering a webinar on this topic.

As West Africa continues to develop, the need for robust and efficient cold chain infrastructure will only grow.
As West Africa continues to develop, the need for robust and efficient cold chain infrastructure will only grow. Ninno Jack Jnr/Unsplash

…continued from Part 12.

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 experts highlighted that while governments are offering financial support for cold chain projects, there needs to be a stronger focus on ensuring the sustainability of these investments. Some past projects have faced challenges when it comes to long-term operations, with infrastructure built but no clear plan for how to maintain or operate the facilities. This lack of follow-up support has led to underutilisation of some cold storage facilities.

As part of the ongoing discussions, it was emphasised that investors interested in cold chain infrastructure should be proactive in putting forward their needs. By clearly articulating what support they require, investors can help drive conversations with the relevant government departments and work together to shape more effective incentive programmes.

Looking ahead, the panellists discussed the potential impact of regional trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on the development of cold chain infrastructure in West Africa. AfCFTA, which aims to reduce trade barriers and create a single market for goods and services across Africa, could significantly boost the demand for cold chain services by facilitating the movement of perishable goods across borders.

The panellists cautioned that while AfCFTA creates opportunities for growth, there are still logistical challenges to address. The disparity between urban and rural infrastructure, as well as the need for efficient transportation networks, will need to be tackled to ensure a seamless cold chain across the continent. But once these challenges are addressed, AfCFTA could become a powerful driver of cold chain development, creating larger, integrated markets that support the growth of the cold chain industry in West Africa.

As West Africa continues to develop, the need for robust and efficient cold chain infrastructure will only grow. The mentorship programmes, training initiatives and networking events planned for 2025 by GCCA and its partners are an important step toward supporting the region’s cold chain operators. By addressing the challenges faced by local businesses and offering the necessary knowledge and resources, the cold chain industry in West Africa can expand and evolve to meet the growing demand for perishable goods.

With continued government support, collaboration between investors and local operators, and the opportunities presented by regional trade agreements, the future of cold chain development in West Africa looks promising. As stakeholders across the industry work together, West Africa has the potential to become a leader in cold chain logistics and a key player in the global food supply chain.

Continued in Part 14…