ASSOCIATIONS
A table at the 2024 GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference .
A panel discussion .
He also notes the growth of the global cold chain market to USD340 billion and its importance in food security and economic development .
The conference ’ s keynote speaker , Johan Kotze , CEO of Agri SA , focused on the theme of ‘ Food Security for Socio-Economic Stability ’. Kotze discusses the impacts of climate change on agriculture , citing recent flooding in Cape Town and KZN as detrimental to citrus exports . He emphasises the need for sustainability and efficiency in both the cold chain and agricultural sectors to address the challenges posed by climate change and to meet the future demand of a growing global population , projected to reach 10 billion by 2050 .
Kotze addresses the critical role of logistics and infrastructure in overcoming challenges in African agriculture . He discusses the potential of the AfCTA to foster trade and economic growth while stressing the importance of improved government support and data management . Effective data utilisation is essential for enhancing agricultural practices and ensuring food quality and safety , he noted . In closing , Kotze emphasises a value chain approach in agriculture , advocating for better collaboration among stakeholders to address issues related to animal and plant health and biosecurity .
A comprehensive discussion then unfolded around AfCFTA and its potential to transform intra-African trade .
Leslie Wentworth , managing director of Tutwa Consulting Group , sets the stage by outlining the significance of the AfCFTA on a global scale . She details the eight protocols that underpin the agreement , which span trade in goods , services , investment , intellectual property rights , competition policy , digital trade , and the inclusion of women and youth . Wentworth notes that the protocols are interdependent and emphasized the importance of addressing both opportunities and challenges associated with them .
Progress made so far includes the agreement on 92 % of tariff lines and the adoption of 22 specific commitments . Wentworth also introduces the Guided Trade Initiative ( GTI ), launched in 2022 . Initially involving seven countries , the GTI has now expanded to 32 African nations , including South Africa .
However , Wentworth does not shy away from acknowledging the significant hurdles that remain . Poor infrastructure and non-tariff barriers continue to impede trade , and the need for improved travel and work permit processes under the
A view of the audience .
African Union ’ s movement of people protocol was highlighted . For the private sector , Wentworth stresses the importance of active engagement and the need for strong institutional support to overcome these barriers .
Martin Cameron , managing director at Trade Research Advisory , North West University , brings attention to the practical challenges of operating under the AfCFTA . He emphasises the critical role of perishables , particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors , and points out the difficulties exporters face due to lack of accurate data on export opportunities . Cameron calls for infrastructure development and underscores the role of the private sector in driving progress .
Professor Lawrence Edwards from the School of Economics at the University of Cape Town expands on the historical context of regional integration in Africa . He discusses the opportunities for market expansion within the AfCFTA framework and the challenges posed by overlapping memberships and complex trade regulations . Edwards advocates for a common set of rules of origin and a robust institutional framework to ensure effective enforcement of trade agreements .
Donald McKay , chief executive of XA Global Trade Advisors , provides insights into market expansion and the importance of capital attraction for economic growth . He highlights the reliance of many African states on border taxes and the challenges associated with reducing these duties . He points out that Mozambique and other rapidly growing markets present significant opportunities for trade , emphasising the need for a more integrated approach to trade facilitation .
The panel ’ s discussion underscored the AfCFTA ’ s potential to reshape trade dynamics across Africa . However , it also made clear that realising this potential requires substantial efforts in infrastructure investment , technological advancements , policy advocacy , and regional cooperation . The conference highlights several actionable recommendations , including investing in infrastructure with a focus on digital components , advancing cold chain-specific technologies , and building digital platforms to streamline trade processes . It also stressed the importance of capacity building , collaboration with other organisations , and pursuing market expansion and diversification opportunities to fully leverage the AfCFTA ’ s benefits .
In the afternoon session a diverse group of experts convened to explore key issues in logistics and sustainability within the cold chain sector . Brian Tahinduka , senior manager for natural resources , logistics , and oil & gas at Standard Bank Group , details the bank ' s focus on providing access to finance and supporting the energy transition . Tahinduka stresses the bank ' s commitment to aiding customers in transitioning to alternative energy solutions and critical minerals , aligning with key trends such as sustainability and decarbonization in the logistics sector .
Following Tahinduka , Gavin Kelly , CEO of the Road Freight Association ( RFA ), tackles the pressing issues faced by the road freight sector . His presentation covers a range of challenges , including compliance with regulations , corruption , and logistical inefficiencies . He highlights the impact of electronic business practices and brokers on the freight industry and emphasized the need for technical expertise in loading and refrigeration . Kelly also discussed crossborder compliance issues , the role of the RFA in advocating for its members , and the importance of pre-clearing at borders to streamline operations and address logistical bottlenecks .
Renier Du Preez , CEO of Digistics , then focuses on the imperative of sustainability within the cold chain sector . He shares practical examples of how sustainability can be integrated into operations , including the use of solar and battery solutions to manage peak electricity usage and reduce costs . He introduces innovative technology for tri-axle trucks that generates energy while driving , minimising the need for charging stations . Du Preez underscores the importance of adopting sustainable practices to reduce business contingency risks and lower carbon footprints , especially in the face of rising electricity costs and the impacts of climate change .
Vijan Chetty , general manager at the Perishable Products Export Control Board ( PPECB ) provides an overview of the PPECB ’ s role in regulating the quality and safety of perishable products . He discusses the critical importance of cold chain management in maintaining product quality and enhancing market access . Chetty describes the PPECB ' s involvement in research , development , and training initiatives aimed at improving export quality across Africa . He addresses challenges such as aging cooling infrastructure , logistical hurdles , and the need for better understanding of cold chain requirements . Chetty also explores the potential for replicating the PPECB ’ s model in other African countries to elevate export standards and market access .
During the session , there was a lively discussion with the audience . One participant inquired about the impact of low oxygen levels on citrus exports , leading to a detailed discussion on ventilation requirements .
Samuel Jacobs of Energy Partners provided an insightful case study on the company ’ s cooling as a service ( CaaS ) model . He highlights the innovative approach of outsourcing refrigeration plants and the myriad benefits it offers to clients . The core concept of CaaS involves transferring the risks and responsibilities of managing refrigeration systems to
6 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • October 2024