The development of an effective , reliable and sustainable cold chain network across West Africa will be transformative . The United Nations ’ Food and Agriculture Organization estimates as much as 60 % of fresh fruits and vegetables in sub-Saharan Africa spoils before it reaches a consumer . Safe and efficient storage of perishable goods will drastically reduce food loss , not only improving food security but also allowing better returns for farmers and growers . An effective cold chain will also dramatically improve healthcare , it can enable West African nations far greater access to the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA ).

Of course , the major and multiple challenges in developing such a cold chain network are not simple to overcome . Many West African countries face significant infrastructure issues including inadequate

roads and limited electricity supply . The number of cold store engineers in the region is not currently sufficient to meet growing needs , and more training programmes focused on the specialised fields of refrigeration and cold chain management are crucial .

However , cold chain growth in West Africa is not only much needed but also offers substantial opportunities . According to the US Department of Commerce , in Ghana alone the need for cold chain solutions within the fruit and vegetable value chains has a revenue potential of up to USD900 million annually . Similarly , the cold chain industries in Nigeria and Senegal have compelling growth potential .

Recognition of the need for investment in West Africa ’ s cold chain technology and infrastructure is certainly growing . GCCA has an important role to play , sharing best practices , seeking solutions to regulatory and operational challenges faced by temperaturecontrolled logistics specialists in the region , and promoting trade links . I was pleased to meet with several GCCA members in Ghana recently , sharing insights that I can take to contacts devising policies at national levels and within ECOWAS ( Economic Community of West African States ). GCCA is providing support on the ground too . Our international development and

education arm , the Global Cold Chain Foundation ( GCCF ), is operating initiatives in West Africa ’ s emerging markets that focus on developing cold chain practices and improving food safety . Once such Foundation project underway is seeking to increase the trade of proteins and other perishable products in Senegal , Cote d ’ Ivoire , and Ghana with a detailed industry assessment and a series of tailored technical trainings , study tours and consultations . The project is also creating a mentorship programme with established operators from North America and working with local associations for sustained support .

A core message I am taking to policymakers is that we will only be able to overcome the barriers to cold chain development and access the crucial benefits that this will bring , by working together . Businesses are coming together to seek solutions and drive the cold chain forwards : the formation of OTACCWA ( Organization for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa ) is a prime example . Initiatives to help address energy shortages such as solar-powered refrigeration units are being explored . Now we need a policy environment that supports and promotes cold chain growth in the region too .

This policy environment must reflect the fact that cold chains are the first line of defence against post-harvest food loss , and central to delivering food security with local , national and regional channels of trade that increase resilience . We seek partnerships with governments and development agencies that will facilitate investment in logistics hubs and corridors in key locations across West Africa .

As cold chain operators investigate solutions to energy supply challenges , we are calling on governments to invest in upgrades to energy infrastructure wherever possible , to prioritise cold chain facilities for energy supply , and to work with us to explore opportunities for energy generation and storage to be co-located within cold chain infrastructure .

Investing in the cold chain can bring to West Africa thousands of sustainable and skilled new jobs , creating demand for skilled professionals . It can transform food supply resilience and healthcare . Our industry can provide a gateway to the world for West African importers and exporters . The potential is exciting and over the coming months and beyond I will be making a strong case for policy decisions that will promote and support this progress . CLA