INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
NEWS
Since the pandemic , and even more so since the Russia / Ukraine war began , logistics have become more expensive , which is encouraging global corporations such as Siemens to establish manufacturing hubs closer to their markets . Siemens has opened manufacturing hubs for switches and sockets in Lesotho and South Africa . South Africa remains an attractive country from the point of view of logistics infrastructure ( both public and private ), and technical and services skills , which can be shared with the rest of the continent .
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE Although some of the regional trade blocs , eg SACU and ECOWAS could have achieved more success , in the view of some , the AfCFTA is different from a governance and regulatory standpoint . Importantly , there is a weight of capital behind the AfCFTA that was absent from regional trade blocs .
There is a recognition that non-tariff barriers still remain and need to be addressed . Harmonisation of standards , regulations and customs procedures , and a predictable regulatory environment will go a long way to facilitate crossborder trade . Bringing Africa ’ s large youthful population into the opportunities presented by AfCFTA will depend partly on input from educational institutions , which should be exposing young people from matric onwards to intra-African trade and opportunities .
AfCFTA creates an opportunity for young people to work in different parts of the continent and new jobs are opening up for youth with skills , as companies seek to diversify their skills base . While the founding agreement of the AfCFTA requires meaningful commitment to assist foster economic inclusion , a strong youth lobby would also help to ensure that this group shares in the benefits .
Whatever industry they operate in , companies should be developing an African business plan which identifies the risks and the competition , as they would for expansion into any market . They should keep abreast of AfCFTA related developments to determine how to use the AfCFTA to expand their trading footprint across the continent . CLA
Despite numerous challenges , the GTI is a positive and pragmatic step in taking the implementation process forward .
Spar store installs Arneg CO 2 rack
A
refurbished Spar Athienitis shop in Harare , Zimbabwe , has installed the MINI BOOSTER , a transcritical CO 2 rack from Italian OEM Arneg ’ s South African division , replacing condensing units , according to a statement from the manufacturer .
With a total of five compressors , three for “ normal ” temperature and two for low temperature , and supported by an additional parallel compressor , the rack is able to refrigerate 27 cabinets and 10 cold rooms “ despite the difficulties imposed by the high temperatures of sub-Saharan summers ,” said Arneg .
Spar chose to replace small condensing units with a single central unit that “ would optimise consumption by reducing the number of motors required ,” Arneg added .
With regard to the refrigeration system , “ We are happy to have been able to take part in such an important project from the point of view of social development ,” said Arneg , adding that the renovation was an opportunity for education and technical growth for local operators .
The Spar store reopened in August after a USD1-million renovation project that began in mid-2021 . “ This project was carefully designed to meet the customer ’ s demand for a store that was energy efficient and environmentally friendly ,” said Arneg .
Spar is a Dutch company that provides branding , supplies and support services for independently owned and operated food retail stores . As of 2021 , Spar encompassed 13 623 stores in 48 countries .
In addition to the CO 2 rack , Arneg South Africa provided cabinets to the store , including Arles serve-over counters , Panama 3 LX and Osaka 3 LX upright cabinets , and Toronto 4P lowtemperature refrigerated counters . Open cabinets were reduced to a minimum to “ ensure maximum efficiency ,” said Arneg . The cabinets come with shelving from Intrac .
The closed upright cabinets are able to use the Arneg Air System technology , which optimises energy efficiency by using air blades that ensure that the difference in temperature between the various food products on display never exceeds 2 ° C . CLA
www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 7