He outlined key initiatives that include trade missions , mentorship programmes , strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technologies . In developing these initiatives , Matthew works hand-in-hand with GCCA in the US as well as a council .
2025 GCCA AFRICA ADVISORY COUNCIL
• Renier du Preez - Digistics
• Dr Newton Matope -Big Cold Kenya
• Carlos de Mendonca - Crossberth
Cold Stores
• Ivor Queally - QK Cold Stores
• Ownsu Akoto - Freezlink Ghana
• Patrick Fernanders - Afrigote Cold
Storage Mozambique
• Paul Gibbons - Commercial Cold
Holdings ( CCH )
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UPCOMING TRADE MISSIONS AND CONFERENCES
One of the major upcoming initiatives is a trade mission to West Africa planned for April 2025 . Together with US Meat Export Federation ( USMEF ), this mission will bring together cold storage professionals , traders and US exporters , particularly from the meat industry , to explore new opportunities in West Africa . The two-day mission aims to foster stronger partnerships and expand the region ’ s cold chain infrastructure , providing attendees a firsthand look at the evolving market dynamics .
“ This mission is part of a broader strategy that began late in 2024 with a mentorship programme focusing on West Africa under the Global Cold Chain Alliance Foundation . The mentorship initiative was designed to address the region ’ s cold storage inefficiencies by offering guidance and support to local operators . The upcoming trade mission will build on these efforts , establishing connections that can drive further improvements in the sector .”
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Matthew also revealed plans to visit East Africa , amid growing interest in the region , to understand local cold chain issues and foster more collaboration .
Looking further ahead , the 2025 GCCA Africa conference is set to take place in Durban in August . This event will serve as a critical gathering for cold chain professionals , offering a platform to discuss pressing industry challenges and innovations .
Expansion of membership in West , Southern and East Africa
With 60 % of membership currently being from South Africa where all the major 3PL players are located , a key goal for GCCA Africa in 2025 is to expand its membership base , hence Matthew ’ s plans to travel extensively in Africa . Matthew indicated that the initial interest and focus would be on eight African countries , namely Egypt , Senegal , Ghana , Kenya , Rwanda , Mozambique and South Africa .
In particular he pointed to the industrial developments along the Northern Corridor from Mombasa to Nairobi , where cold
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Paul Matthew , director of GCCA Africa . |
Image supplied by © Cold Link Africa |