By Eamonn Ryan from the report
The cold chain sector is a vital component of Africa’s economy, enabling the transportation and storage of perishable goods and temperature-sensitive products, including pharmaceuticals, food and vaccines. This is Part 5 of a six-part series.

Energy blackouts pose a significant challenge to the stability of Africa’s cold chain sector, which is crucial for preserving the quality of perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals. Strategic planning, investment in resilient infrastructure, and adoption of advanced monitoring technologies are key to mitigating the impact of loadshedding on the cold chain industry. Collaborative efforts across the food supply chain are essential to enhance overall resilience, safeguard food quality, and protect consumer trust amidst ongoing energy disruptions.
To address these challenges, Africa’s cold chain sector can benefit from investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and other sustainable technologies. These sources of energy not only mitigate the risks associated with power disruptions but also align with the global trend toward sustainability. By prioritising renewable energy, stakeholders in the cold chain industry can reduce dependence on conventional power sources, enhancing energy security and operational resilience.
A policy-driven approach, including incentives for renewable energy adoption, can encourage businesses to invest in sustainable energy solutions. This would help transform the cold chain sector into a more resilient and sustainable industry, capable of navigating the challenges of an unpredictable energy landscape.
Recommendations:
- Recommendation 1: Extend the Enhanced Renewable Energy Incentive, provide tax credits for businesses investing in renewable energy and create a dedicated funding mechanism to support energy-efficient technologies within the cold chain industry.
- Recommendation 2: Suspend import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) on batteries and other solar components for one year. Partnering with the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) can help advocate for this change.
Enhancing cold chain efficiency with digital tools
Improving coordination and communication among stakeholders in the food supply chain is crucial to mitigating the effects of loadshedding on perishable goods. Enhancing the efficiency of cold chain operations, particularly at critical checkpoints like border crossings such as Beitbridge, can reduce spoilage and maintain product integrity.
The adoption of digital tools and real-time monitoring technologies can significantly improve responsiveness during power outages. For instance, temperature management systems can ensure that goods are transported safely and efficiently, reducing losses caused by fluctuating temperatures. Collaboration between logistics providers, customs authorities and cold chain operators can enhance operational efficiency, allowing for faster and more reliable transportation of temperature-sensitive goods.
Recommendations:
- Recommendation 3: Implement intelligent technology solutions for real-time monitoring and data sharing among cold chain stakeholders. Foster public-private partnerships to drive innovation and investment in resilient cold chain technologies.
- The 3 Degrees Programme: A potential solution for reducing energy consumption while preserving food safety involves increasing the temperature set-point for certain frozen foods. By raising the refrigeration temperature from -18°C to -15°C, energy consumption can be reduced without compromising food quality, thus aligning with broader sustainability goals.