Matthew , currently the executive director of the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters ( AMIE ) in South Africa , brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position , particularly providing valuable insights into the complexities of supply chain management within the African context . An article authored by Matthew in his AMIE capacity is featured elsewhere in this issue .
Matthew expresses his enthusiasm for his upcoming role and his commitment to driving positive change within the cold chain industry . " I ' m excited to join GCCA and contribute to the advancement of cold chain solutions in Africa ."
Throughout his tenure at AMIE , Matthew has been instrumental in challenging misconceptions surrounding imported meat products and advocating for greater transparency within the industry . His proactive approach to public engagement and education aligns closely with GCCA ' s mission to promote best practices and innovation within the cold chain sector .
" I believe it ' s essential not only to focus on industry-specific initiatives but also to inform the public about developments within the sector . As an organisation , we must utilise all available channels to disseminate information and promote industry advancements ," he says .
As he prepares to embark on this new chapter , Matthew says he would ideally favour long tenure so as to facilitate the championing of excellence and innovation within the global cold chain community .
“ As the executive director of GCCA ' s Africa region , my primary goal is to foster collaboration and drive innovation within the cold chain industry across the continent for the ultimate sake of food security across Africa . Specifically , I aim to achieve the following outcomes during my tenure :
• “ Expansion and inclusivity : I envision broadening GCCA ' s reach within Africa by engaging stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and regions . By fostering inclusivity , we can harness the collective expertise and resources necessary to address the unique challenges and opportunities present across the continent . Another priority is to expand GCCA ' s membership base within Africa and foster the growth of the cold chain industry across the continent . I see significant opportunities for expansion and to capitalise on them through strategic initiatives and partnerships .
• “ Capacity building : One of my key priorities is to enhance the capacity and
|
capabilities of cold chain stakeholders , including manufacturers , logistics providers and government agencies . Through training programmes , knowledge-sharing initiatives and strategic partnerships , we can empower industry professionals with the tools and expertise needed to optimise cold chain operations and ensure food safety and quality ,” he adds .
• “ Advocacy and awareness : I am committed to advocating for policies and regulations that support the growth and sustainability of the cold chain industry in Africa . By raising awareness about the importance of cold chain infrastructure and best practices , we can garner support from policymakers , investors and the public to prioritise investments in critical infrastructure and technology .
• “ Strengthening industry-government relationships : There is an urgent need for a stronger relationship between the cold chain industry and governments in Africa . I aim to continue my track record of establishing productive relationships with government bodies ( until now , primarily South African ) to address challenges such as load shedding and resource allocation effectively .
• “ Innovation and technology adoption : Embracing innovation and leveraging technology will be essential to driving efficiency and sustainability within the cold chain sector . I plan to facilitate collaboration between industry stakeholders and technology providers to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions , such as IoT-enabled monitoring systems , renewable energy sources , and data analytics tools .
• “ Promotion of best practices : Lastly , I aim to promote best practices and standards throughout the cold chain ecosystem , emphasising the importance of compliance with international quality and safety standards . By championing excellence and continuous improvement , we can enhance the reputation and competitiveness of African cold chain operations on the global stage ,” says Matthew .
“ Through these strategic initiatives , I am confident that we can strengthen Africa ' s cold chain infrastructure , enhance food security , and unlock new economic opportunities for the continent . I look forward to collaborating with industry partners , government agencies , and other stakeholders to achieve our shared goals
|
and drive sustainable growth in the cold chain sector .”
When asked about practical steps to strengthen the cold chain in Africa and ensure product quality and safety , Matthew highlights the importance of identifying opportunities within the sector and fostering collaboration between stakeholders and governments to address challenges effectively .
Matthew went through the same process at AMIE and changed the entire nature of industry-government relations through sheer persistence . Reflecting on his experiences collaborating with government entities , he acknowledges the complexities and frustrations involved . “ Despite the challenges , by promoting dialogue and co-operation with government officials as opposed to the legal route which had previously been the practice , we both addressed industry concerns and fostered a conducive regulatory environment . Certainly , we achieved more through dialogue than lawyers ’ letters .”
With an eye on the long term , Matthew intends to play a role in ensuring the sustainability of the cold chain industry over the next three decades . He believes that initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement ( AfCFTA ) will shape the industry ' s trajectory and intends to align GCCA ' s strategies accordingly .
He describes AfCFTA as being of the first importance in shaping the industry ' s future and expressed optimism about its potential benefits . “ Nonetheless , there are significant challenges facing the cold chain industry in Africa , particularly concerning duties , tariffs and trade barriers . To realise the benefits of AfCFTA , it will be a prerequisite to first address these and remove inefficiencies in transportation and border processes to streamline logistics and improve product movement .”
However , amid these challenges , Matthew sees tremendous opportunities for the African cold chain industry , particularly in export markets such as the EU . In his experiences in the meat import-export sector , he notes the blind spot that many producers have towards capitalising on export opportunities and diversifying their revenue streams . By leveraging international demand for products like poultry breast meat , African producers can unlock new growth avenues and contribute to economic development . The same will undoubtedly apply to all other products in the cold chain .
“ Locally , there remain challenges and threats . Locally , those include load shedding ( or lack of electricity in other
|
Paul Matthew , incoming director : GCCA Africa .
countries ) and resource constraints . We need to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the sector ' s challenges and opportunities and I intend to start off by commissioning studies to gain insights into the industry ' s African landscape .”
Matthew expresses a desire to leave behind a legacy of progress and improvement . He notes the importance of strategic planning and collaboration to drive meaningful change and enhance the industry ' s capabilities over the next decade . Looking ahead , Matthew expressed excitement about the upcoming conference in August , where he plans to engage with industry stakeholders and gain a deeper understanding of the sector .
While barely having left his old job , Matthew emphasises the importance of finding his footing in his new role and developing a strategic plan aligned with GCCA ' s objectives . “ Let ’ s talk again in six months and see how things are playing out !” CLA
Through these strategic initiatives , I am confident that we can strengthen Africa ' s cold chain infrastructure , enhance food security , and unlock new economic opportunities for the continent .
Supplied by Paul Matthew
|