www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I June 2025 7
News
TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING A core component of eSwatini’ s phase-out strategy is building local capacity through training programmes for technicians. Over the past four years, more than 120 technicians have been trained to handle modern, environmentally friendly refrigerants. This initiative ensures that the workforce is preparing to meet the increasing demand for sustainable refrigeration solutions.
Despite progress, eSwatini faces challenges in providing more comprehensive training on hydrocarbon refrigerants, which require specialised handling. The NOU remains committed to addressing this gap, ensuring that technicians are fully equipped to manage these new refrigerants safely and effectively. eSwatini’ s NOU also plays a critical enforcement role through a licensing and quota system that regulates refrigerant imports. The ASYCUDA system— a customs declaration system— links importers to the NOU, enabling efficient tracking and monitoring of refrigerant imports. Collaboration between the NOU and customs authorities ensures that only legally-approved refrigerants are imported, helping to prevent illegal imports and improving data collection for reporting purposes. eSwatini recognises the importance of regional collaboration in achieving the Kigali Amendment goals. The country has worked closely with South Africa to establish refrigerant recovery and recycling centres, an effort that is now being expanded within eSwatini. The establishment of five such centres will allow for the collection, reuse and recycling of refrigerants, thereby reducing environmental waste and supporting the country’ s commitments under the Montreal Protocol.
ZAMBIA’ S EFFORTS TOWARDS ACHIEVING KIGALI AMENDMENT GOALS
A challenge highlighted by Zambia’ s representative is the need for a more needs-based approach in supporting the refrigeration sector. While equipment donations to training centres have been a part of Zambia ' s strategy, it has become evident that simply providing equipment is not enough. The country has not fully identified the specific needs of the industry, whether in terms of training, certification or specialised equipment. Zambia ' s representative stressed the importance of consulting directly with stakeholders to determine what the industry truly requires, ensuring that
A group photo of the delegates from all over SADC.
interventions are both relevant and sustainable.
Zambia also emphasised the value of consultation meetings and stakeholder engagement. By gathering input from key players in the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors, Zambia can craft more effective national and regional policies. Stakeholder discussions help ensure that interventions are based on actual industry needs rather than assumptions or generalised solutions.
As Zambia works toward the phase-out of ODSs, the need for specialised training and certifications for technicians has grown. The country is focusing on equipping its workforce with the skills to work with modern, environmentally friendly refrigerants such as hydrocarbons and low-GWP HFCs. The Zambia representative noted that alongside providing equipment to training centres, there needs to be a focus on building human capital to ensure technicians are properly trained and certified to handle these new refrigerants safely.
Zambia is also working to strengthen its NOU committee and ensure that industry associations play an active role in policy discussions. The inclusion of industry representatives ensures that decisions made at the national level reflect the real needs of the sector. Zambia ' s representative also underscored the value of regional collaboration, noting that countries like Zimbabwe have implemented strategies that could be adapted by others in the region. Sharing successes and challenges is vital for collectively phasing down ODS and HFCs across Southern Africa. RACA
“ As Zambia works toward the phaseout of ODSs, the need for specialised training and certifications for technicians has grown.”
www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I June 2025 7