Convening, Collaborating, and Building Transformative Solutions: GCCA Africa Conference

The cold chain industry in Africa stands at a critical juncture, facing pressing challenges but also unprecedented opportunities. As we prepare for the upcoming GCCA Africa Conference and Advisory Council meeting in Durban on 20th-21st August, I’ve been reflecting on the state of our sector and the evolving landscape in which we operate.

Cold Chain Industry: Key Challenges and Key Opportunities

The cold chain in Africa remains fragmented and underdeveloped in many regions, with significant gaps in infrastructure, energy reliability, workforce skills, and financing mechanisms. Many facilities continue to rely on outdated technologies, and supply chain inefficiencies often result in unacceptable levels of food loss, reduced product quality, and economic waste. Add to this the growing pressure of climate change, rising energy costs, regulatory uncertainty, and increasing demand from both global and local markets. These challenges are not isolated—they are interconnected, and if left unaddressed, they will limit our ability to grow sustainably and inclusively.

However, we are also witnessing rapid and exciting advances across our sector. The rise of artificial intelligence, renewable energy integration, modular cold storage systems, and real-time monitoring tools presents powerful opportunities to modernise the African cold chain. Demand is growing from retailers, exporters, and governments who are ready to invest in reliable, efficient logistics systems.

We are also witnessing greater interest from investors, development agencies, and policymakers who increasingly recognise the cold chain as a strategic pillar for food security, health systems, and trade development. GCCA Africa’s growing network and reputation position us well to influence this momentum.

In-person collaboration at events like our Durban conference are crucial to moving forward. Cold chain professionals must take full advantage of opportunities to convene; sharing share innovative ideas and best practices that will have a positive and continual impact on the future of the African food supply chain.

Let us challenge ourselves to move from reflection to action. Let us identify the levers we must pull together and build a roadmap that ensures GCCA Africa remains a catalyst for transformation.

Reiner du Preez
Advisory Council Chair, GCCA Africa