African Infrastructure Investment Managers( AIIM), a division of Old Mutual Alternative Investments, has significantly strengthened South Africa ' s cold chain infrastructure with the completion and commissioning of CCH Greenbushes. This newly constructed commercial cold storage facility is strategically located in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, and is the feature project in this month’ s issue.
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AIIM’ s involvement in CCH Greenbushes cold storage facility, boosting Eastern Cape ' s export capabilities
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African Infrastructure Investment Managers( AIIM), a division of Old Mutual Alternative Investments, has significantly strengthened South Africa ' s cold chain infrastructure with the completion and commissioning of CCH Greenbushes. This newly constructed commercial cold storage facility is strategically located in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, and is the feature project in this month’ s issue.
According to AIIM’ s website, Anyababa Ikem, Investment Principal at AIIM, emphasised the project ' s pivotal role in their portfolio. " By increasing the Eastern Cape’ s cold storage capacity, we are not only supporting the increased export of South Africa’ s citrus and other fruits but we are also enhancing the efficiency of the import supply chain for frozen meat. This facility will serve as a critical node in our broader strategy to strengthen the cold chain across the region.” This development is expected to significantly enhance the nation ' s export capacity, particularly within the valuable citrus and fruit sectors, thereby bolstering South Africa ' s competitive edge in global markets.
The construction of CCH Greenbushes was financed through AIIM’ s African Infrastructure Investment Fund 4( AIIF4) and the IDEAS Managed Fund, which collectively manage over R34-billion in infrastructure assets. This project marks the inaugural greenfield development under AIIM’ s CCH cold chain logistics platform and benefits from its strategic proximity to the port city ' s well-established shipping infrastructure.
As the majority shareholder in the CCH platform, which oversees CCH Greenbushes, AIIM views this investment as a testament to its commitment to expanding its presence in infrastructure that supports South Africa’ s agricultural export sector. The cold storage facility boasts a substantial 7 000-pallet capacity and is designed for versatile applications, accommodating fruit exports, frozen imports and general bulk storage. This adaptable approach ensures optimal facility utilisation and profitability across various market demands.
Ikem further highlighted the broader economic impact of the facility.“ CCH
The CCH Greenbushes cold store under construction.
Greenbushes is more than just a storage facility; it’ s a strategic asset that will drive economic growth in the Eastern Cape,” he added. The project is anticipated to generate approximately 100 new jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
AIIM’ s commitment to sustainability is also evident in the project ' s design. " Our investment here aligns with AIIM’ s broader mandate to create sustainable infrastructure that supports long-term economic development. The planned inclusion of renewable energy options like rooftop solar panels or wheeled power further demonstrates our commitment to ESG principles,” noted Ikem. The facility also addresses a crucial bottleneck in the region ' s supply chain, as the Eastern Cape, a key citrusproducing region, has long required additional cold storage capacity to meet export demands. AIIM aims to alleviate these challenges, ensuring the continued competitiveness of South African produce on the global stage.
AIIM’ s involvement extends beyond financial investment, with the firm contributing its extensive logistical expertise to enhance operational efficiency through advanced systems, infrastructure upgrades and workforce development. According to Anyababa,“ Our focus is on creating value throughout our holding period. This means not only ensuring that the facility operates at peak efficiency but also that it contributes positively to the community and the environment. Adopting an eco-friendly CO 2 refrigeration and the harvesting of rainwater are examples of how we integrate sustainable practices into our operations.”
CCH Greenbushes represents a significant milestone for AIIM’ s cold chain platform, CCH, which continues to pursue further acquisitions and greenfield developments across the African continent. AIIM is strategically positioned to capitalise on the increasing demand for cold storage solutions driven by expanding agricultural exports and the growing importance of food security. The project also involves a diverse group of minority shareholders and strategic partners, including SGH Holdings Proprietary Limited, WLD Investments Proprietary Limited, Bauta Logistics, Dutch development finance institution FMO, and AIIM’ s cold storage logistics senior advisor Curt Mastbergen.
Looking to the future, Ikem concluded,“ We see substantial growth potential in this sector, particularly as global supply chains become more complex and demand for high-quality, perishable goods increases.” CLA
COLD LINK AFRICA • June 2025 www. coldlinkafrica. co. za
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