By Eamonn Ryan, based on the webinar
The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) and the Global Cold Chain Foundation (GCCF) hosted a webinar focused on their international cold chain development projects on January 15, reflecting on achievements from 2024 and outlining plans for 2025 – several of which relate to Africa. This is Part 2 of a three-part series.

The webinar also looked forward to the foundation’s plans for 2025. Five ongoing projects from 2024 will continue into the new year, with new initiatives planned for Cambodia, Rwanda and Bangladesh. These new projects are expected to further expand the foundation’s impact in emerging markets, building on the momentum created in previous years.
Brondy and Madison Jaco, manager of international projects at GCCA, emphasised the critical role that GCCA members play in these projects. Members serve as technical experts and contribute their knowledge on topics ranging from cold chain design to logistics, providing valuable insights that shape the success of these initiatives.
With the foundation’s focus on global cold chain development, the importance of collaboration with local organisations, the private sector and food rescue groups will remain central to its mission. For those interested in participating or learning more about these projects, GCCA encourages outreach for both in-person and remote involvement.
GCCA unveils ongoing and upcoming cold chain projects for 2025
In Africa, GCCF is continuing its collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food for Progress initiative in Mauritania. Since August 2024, GCCF has worked alongside member company LixCap to assess the country’s cold chain capacity and develop a plan for further training and technical assistance. Upcoming activities include cold storage design and energy management training, as well as translating existing resources into French and Arabic to better serve the region.
Another important project is the West Africa Emerging Markets Programme, which spans Senegal, Ivory Coast and Ghana. After completing a cold chain skills gap assessment in 2024, GCCF is now focusing on mentorship programmes, connecting local operators with international experts. Other activities include training events, networking opportunities and a study tour to South Africa, which will offer site visits and participation in the GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference later this year.
One of the standout initiatives discussed was the Bangladesh Trade Facilitation Project (BTF), a crucial effort in Bangladesh to support cold chain development. Over the course of the project, experts from India and the US have been providing valuable support in facility design and operational management. As the project enters its final year in 2025, GCCF is working with its partners to secure a merit-based extension to continue the momentum. New activities for 2025 include further design support, educational resources and collaborations with the Bangladesh Cold Storage Association to strengthen their programmes.
The Trade Safe Project in the Dominican Republic, also funded by the USDA, continues to make strides in cold chain development. As part of this initiative, a post-harvest handling guidebook has been developed in Spanish, and energy audits are being conducted at cold storage facilities. In 2025, additional technical assistance on energy management and perishable cargo handling at airports will be provided.
Finally, the Agricultural Trade and Climate Smart Innovations Project (Atraci) in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras will continue into 2025 with plans for further post-harvest and energy management technical assistance. The project is also focused on fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to strengthen cold chain capacity in the region.