By Eamonn Ryan
This series is based on a joint GCCA–IFC webinar on the topic Cold Chain Insights in Emerging Markets, moderated by Amanda Brondy (GCCA), with contributions from Harsh Gupta, Cold Chain Lead, IFC; Rusmir Music, Global Cooling Lead, IFC; Selcuk Tanatar, TechEmerge Lead, IFC; Sunil Nair, Cooling Markets Lead India, GCCA; and Adam Thocher, Senior VP of Global Programs, GCCA.
This is part seven of an eight-part series with this first part covering the topic: Cold chain investments succeed only when skills development and inclusion are addressed.
Technology and infrastructure alone cannot ensure effective cold chain operations. A recurrent lesson from IFC-supported projects is that human capital is as critical as physical assets. Even the most advanced refrigeration systems will underperform without trained technicians, skilled operators and adequate maintenance protocols.
A notable initiative highlighted by panellists was the establishment of training and testing centres, including a facility at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu. These centres provide local technicians with hands-on experience in installing, operating and maintaining cooling systems under realistic environmental conditions. Beyond technical skills, the programmes also teach monitoring, troubleshooting and energy management.
The human element proved decisive during TechEmerge pilots. Some innovative cooling technologies failed not due to design shortcomings, but because operators did not fully understand how to maintain the system or optimise its use. By coupling technology deployment with structured training, IFC and partners were able to mitigate this risk.
Workforce development also created opportunities for gender inclusion. Traditionally, women have been under-represented in cold chain logistics and maintenance roles due to exposure to cold environments. Innovative compartmentalised storage units and PCM transport systems reduced prolonged cold exposure, enabling more women to work safely in warehouses and distribution centres. In one pilot, the introduction of these solutions allowed a company to expand female employment by up to a third, highlighting the intersection of technology, operational efficiency and social impact.
Addressing skills gaps also builds resilience. Facilities in emerging markets often operate under challenging conditions, including unreliable power, extreme temperatures and long transit times. Skilled technicians are essential for rapid response to equipment failures, reducing downtime and preventing product loss.
Panellists emphasied that workforce investment is not optional; it is integral to long-term success. Well-trained staff enhance operational reliability, extend equipment life, and improve the return on investment for both public and private cold chain projects. By focusing on human capital alongside infrastructure, projects can achieve financial, environmental and social outcomes simultaneously.
Ultimately, the lesson is that scaling cold chains is as much about developing people as deploying technology. Training, certification and inclusion programmes create sustainable, resilient systems capable of supporting emerging markets as they expand their cold chain capacity.