INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
CONTRIBUTORS
Images by John Ackermann
Containers in port .
more of the food produced reaches consumers . This reduces food waste and lessens the burden on agricultural production , contributing to food security and economic resilience . The cold chain also supports food quality and safety preservation , providing certainty to producers and protecting consumers .
At our conference , we looked closely at the success of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement ( AfCFTA ). If it can meet its promise , it can be a game-changer for intra- African trade . Growth can only be sustained with robust cold chain infrastructure , enabling the seamless movement of perishable goods across borders . The GCCA will advocate for a considered approach , focused on constructing logistics hubs and corridors in strategic locations to facilitate this trade , emphasising the importance of the cold chain in driving economic integration and growth .
ENERGY SECURITY : A PILLAR OF COLD CHAIN EFFECTIVENESS
Energy security is a critical component of an effective cold chain . The ongoing energy crises and rolling blackouts across Africa highlight the vulnerabilities of the current energy system . For the cold chain to thrive , a secure , consistent , and affordable energy supply must exist . Cold chain businesses can and will invest in their clean energy generation wherever possible . It must be allowed to do so . The GCCA will call for prioritising food and pharmaceutical supply chain infrastructure in crisis planning and incentivising investment in renewable energy and smart grid integration .
POLICY AND REGULATORY ENGAGEMENT
Effective policy and regulation are essential to the success of the cold chain in Africa . The GCCA urges African policymakers to engage with logistics businesses when considering changes to food safety , health , safety , and environmental standards . Clear , consistent , and proportionate regulations are vital to fostering a conducive environment for cold chain operations . Additionally , the GCCA highlights the need for realistic implementation timeframes for changing regulatory standards , particularly those related to construction , equipment , and fluorinated gas use .
BUILDING CAPACITY AND CREATING JOBS
The cold chain sector offers a range of rewarding , skilled , and reliable jobs , from operational roles to management positions . As Africa ' s cold chain expands , it will support thousands of jobs and provide career opportunities for people of all ages . The GCCA will champion initiatives to improve productivity through automation and artificial intelligence , transforming manual work and enhancing efficiency . Moreover , the GCCA will play its part in equipping the workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the cold chain industry by ensuring access to practical training .
A CALL TO ACTION
The GCCA will engage with African policymakers , calling on them to endorse these objectives in future strategy and policymaking . By investing in cold chain infrastructure , prioritising energy security , engaging with stakeholders on regulatory changes , and fostering education and training , Africa can harness the power of the cold chain to deliver prosperity , resilience , and trade .
The GCCA is committed to working with governments , international economic and development bodies , and business partners at every level to achieve this vision . Together , we can unlock Africa ' s potential , transforming the cold chain into a cornerstone of the continent ' s economic future . This is our call to action .
For more information about the cold chain in Africa and the GCCA ' s initiatives , contact me at pmatthew @ gcca . org . Let ' s collaborate to build a resilient and prosperous future for the continent . CLA
The GCCA will advocate for a considered approach , focused on constructing logistics hubs and corridors in strategic locations to facilitate this trade .
COLD LINK AFRICA • September 2024 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 29