By Eamonn Ryan
This webinar titled ‘Strengthening the Cold Chain: Analysis and Recommendations for West Africa’, focused on current cold chain conditions and future opportunities in Ghana, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. Hosted by the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), it featured a panel of global and regional cold chain experts with deep operational, technical and policy experience. The panel included:
- Greg Laurin, president, Conestoga Cold Stores
- Nicholas Pedneault, CEO, Congebec
- Roudy Akiki, COO Africa, CT-Technologies
- Paul Matthew, director, GCCA Africa
- Amanda Brondy, vice-president, International Projects, GCCA
- Madison Jaco, manager, International Projects, GCCA
Together, these speakers brought perspectives spanning cold storage operations, logistics, engineering, energy systems, investment and international development programming.
This is part seven of an eight-part series, and this section explores government incentives, investment barriers, energy and trade challenges, and the role of regional integration in accelerating cold chain development in West Africa.
Several operators interviewed during the assessment noted that while governments often provide incentives for agricultural equipment imports, cold chain equipment is not always included. This inconsistency limits private-sector investment in refrigeration, storage and temperature-controlled logistics.
Pedneault emphasised that West African governments share a common objective: reducing agricultural trade deficits and achieving greater food autonomy. However, high post-harvest losses undermine these goals, pointing to an urgent need for expanded cold chain capacity.
Inventory financing as a missing link
Pedneault introduced the concept of inventory financing as a critical, yet underutilised, policy tool. In many cases, existing cold storage capacity remains underused because producers and processors cannot afford to hold inventory. Instead, they sell products immediately – often at low prices – to avoid spoilage.
In markets such as the US and Canada, government-supported inventory financing programmes help stabilise supply chains and encourage cold storage utilisation. Similar mechanisms could significantly increase demand for cold chain services in West Africa.
From an investment perspective, panellists acknowledged growing global interest in African cold chain infrastructure, often backed by private equity, development banks and multilateral institutions. However, investors face substantial challenges, including:
- Complex permitting and regulatory processes
- Import restrictions and customs delays
- Unclear operational frameworks for government-backed facilities
In some cases, cold storage infrastructure has been built with public funding but later underperformed due to insufficient training, maintenance planning and operational oversight.
Akiki noted that institutions such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank already support cold chain and logistics investments through financing, tax incentives, land subsidies and VAT exemptions. However, better co-ordination between governments, investors and operators is needed to ensure long-term sustainability.
Regional trade and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Matthew highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as one of the most significant opportunities for cold chain growth. By facilitating cross-border trade, AfCFTA can drive demand for reliable cold storage and transportation along key trade corridors.
Despite its promise, AfCFTA implementation has been slowed by tariff disputes, protectionist policies, and inconsistent enforcement. Addressing these barriers will be essential to unlocking regional cold chain efficiencies.
Energy security remains foundational to food safety. The panel stressed that discussions around food safety must also address reliable and sustainable energy supply, efficient road and rail corridors, and long-term infrastructure planning.
Matthew concluded by emphasising GCCA Africa’s role as a convener and advocate, bringing industry voices into policy discussions with governments and regional bodies such as ECOWAS. Through its network, GCCA aims to elevate cold chain priorities within broader trade and development agendas.
Next, part eight will conclude the series by outlining GCCA and GCCF’s recommendations, mentorship programmes, training initiatives and next steps for West Africa.