In a presentation delivered to the Southern African Development Community Refrigeration and Air Conditioning ( SADC RAC ) members , Manyukwa , reviewed progress in the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons ( HCFCs ) and hydrofluorocarbons ( HFCs ) in line with international protocols . This effort is part of a broader strategy to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants , particularly in alignment with the Montreal Protocol and its subsequent Kigali Amendment . “ By December 2024 , SADC RAC countries are committed to reducing their HCFC consumption by 60 %, based on a baseline of 5 120 ozone depleting potential tons . This target has already been exceeded ahead of schedule , with the region already achieving substantial reductions . This sets a strong foundation for the target of a 67.5 % reduction in HCFC consumption by 2025 , which is in line with the Montreal Protocol ’ s objectives ,” he says .
In the long-term , the SADC region is set to allow only 2.5 % of HCFCs to be imported by 2026 , a significant step toward the complete phase-out of HCFCs by 2030 . The
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2.5 % import ceiling will be maintained from 2026 through to 2030 , after which the goal is to eliminate HCFC consumption entirely .
Manyukwa noted that the reduction targets present significant challenges , particularly for countries that rely on neighbouring nations for access to refrigerants . He explained that , while South Africa has taken on a major role in supplying refrigerants to the region , the 2.5 % import ceiling means that neighbouring countries will face limited quantities of refrigerants in the years ahead .
This restriction , while crucial for environmental protection , poses logistical and operational challenges . Manyukwa stressed the need for regional collaboration to overcome these barriers , especially in light of resource constraints and the growing demand for refrigerants in the region .
One key solution proposed to address these challenges is reclamation and recovery . Manyukwa emphasised that through intensified efforts in refrigerant recovery , SADC RAC countries can mitigate the effects of limited refrigerant supplies . By recovering and recycling refrigerants , countries can continue to maintain their refrigeration and air
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conditioning equipment without relying on imports of new refrigerants .
Manyukwa also shared positive updates from specific countries within the region . For example , Botswana achieved a remarkable 35 % reduction in HCFC consumption by 2020 . The country also made significant strides in building local capacity by training 115 technicians . Meanwhile , eSwatini has reached an impressive milestone of being 100 % HCFC-free and has fully transitioned to the use of hydrocarbons as refrigerants .
However , Manyukwa cautioned that financial and technical constraints remain major hurdles for many countries in the region . As such , there is a pressing need for international support , both in terms of funding and technical expertise , to ensure that SADC nations can continue their progress toward the complete phase-out of HCFCs and HFCs .
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SADC RAC , president Caign Manyukwa .
This effort is part of a broader strategy to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants , particularly in alignment with the Montreal Protocol and its subsequent Kigali Amendment .
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