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 11 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.
Matthew highlighted the importance of energy supply as a fundamental enabler of cold chain development. With the region’s cold storage sector dependent on a reliable and consistent energy supply, addressing energy challenges will be crucial for ensuring the success of cold chain infrastructure. Additionally, developing efficient transportation corridors for both road and rail is key to facilitating trade within the region and ensuring that products can be transported in a timely and temperature-controlled manner.
As West Africa continues to make strides in developing its cold chain logistics sector, the cooperation between governments, private investors and industry players will be essential to overcoming the existing challenges. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, technological innovations and policy reforms, the region can create a robust and sustainable cold chain network that supports its growing agricultural, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
The next steps involve addressing key weaknesses such as energy supply, outdated refrigeration systems and inefficiencies in cold chain operations. Governments must also take a more proactive role in incentivising cold chain infrastructure development, whether through tax incentives, inventory financing programmes, or subsidies for foreign investments. Meanwhile, private sector players must continue navigating the complexities of red tape and regulatory challenges while capitalising on emerging opportunities such as solar energy integration.
Ultimately, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)’s potential to streamline trade across the continent presents a golden opportunity for the region to transform its cold chain logistics and establish itself as a global leader in the storage and transportation of perishable goods. By leveraging these opportunities and addressing key challenges, West Africa can build a sustainable and resilient cold chain that not only supports its own economic growth but also positions the continent as a major player in the global food and agriculture market.
Building cold chain infrastructure in West Africa: 2025 and beyond
As the global economy continues to evolve, the cold chain industry is becoming an increasingly vital part of the supply chain, especially in emerging markets. West Africa, with its rapidly developing economies and growing demand for perishable goods, is an area of significant opportunity in this space. During a recent webinar, experts from the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) and other stakeholders came together to discuss the current state of cold chain infrastructure in West Africa and outline plans to support its growth in 2025.
The session was filled with insightful discussions on the challenges and opportunities faced by the region in building a sustainable and efficient cold chain infrastructure. A common theme throughout the conversation was the recognition that while urban areas in West Africa have some cold chain infrastructure in place, the real gap lies in rural areas, where the infrastructure is either sparse or non-existent. This disparity presents a unique challenge for cold chain logistics, especially as perishable goods need to be transported from rural production areas to urban markets where the infrastructure is more developed.