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GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference 2026 Opens for Registration
The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) Africa Cold Chain Conference 2026 is now open for registration.
Taking place September 2-3, 2026 at the Fairway Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Johannesburg, the conference will deliver an outstanding program of renowned speakers, panel discussions, networking receptions and a high-quality exhibition.
The GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference has become a highlight of the industry’s calendar, bringing together temperature-controlled logistics businesses from across the continent with supply chain partners, international experts, dynamic innovators and leading politicians. Speakers will include Dr. Newton Matope (CEO of Cold Solutions Kenya and GCCA Africa Chairman), Brent Melvin ( General Manger, RSA Logistics-Dubai), and Dr. John Deng Diar Diing (Executive Secretary of the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority).
GCCA’s Senior Vice President Global Market Engagement Adam Thocher said:“Recent years have seen the cold chain in Africa make great strides in expanding services and capacity, embracing the technological revolution, and creating new opportunities within the continent and far beyond. In the current global backdrop of major uncertainty and disruption for supply chains, it is vital for Africa’s food resilience, trade growth and economy that the momentum in temperature-controlled logistics is maintained. In 2026 the GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference will examine the theme of ‘Progress, Priorities, and Partnerships’: from shifting trade corridors to the next leap in climate-smart infrastructure, discussions will explore complex challenges and practical solutions.”
The conference program will explore the industry’s most pressing topics:
- INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: The priorities shaping the future of the temperature-controlled supply chain industry, in Africa and beyond, including:
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- Welcomes from GCCA leadership Sara Stickler (President & CEO, GCCA), Adam Thocher (Senior Vice President, Global Market Engagement, GCCA) and Dr. Newton Matope (CEO of Cold Solutions Kenya and GCCA Africa Chairman)
- Lessons from cold chain in the Middle East with Brent Melvin, General Manager, RSA Logistics, Duba
- Balancing compliance, cost, and speed in a new era for freight forwarding with Dr. Juanita Maree, CEO, SAAFF (Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders)
- THE NEW CLIMATE FOR TRADE: How shifting geopolitical forces, evolving trade policies, and regional transport corridors are reshaping the landscape for cold chain commerce across Africa, including:
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- The business trading climate in Africa and the role of geopolitics with Chris Hattingh, Executive Director, CRA (Centre for Risk Analysis)
- How trade policy meets reality with Dr. Martin Cameron, Managing Director, Trade Research Advisory (Pty) Ltd
- Regional corridors as catalysts for intra-African trade with Dr. John Deng Diar Diing, The Executive Secretary of the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA)
- PEOPLE AND PARTNERSHIPS: How partnerships, investment, research and workforce development are shaping Africa’s cold chain ecosystem, with Dr. Ikechukwu Opara of the University of the Western Cape and Cassandra Potteiger, Head of Strategy, Marketing and Communication at SA Harvest.
See the full program and register now at www.gcca.org/events/gcca-african-cold-chain-conference.
ABOUT GCCA
The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) advances the global temperature-controlled supply chain by championing safety, building trust, and driving sustainability, resiliency, and operational excellence across every link of the cold chain.
For media inquiries please contact Lindsay Shelton-Gross, SVP, Global Communications, Marketing, and Strategic Initiatives, GCCA at lsheltongross@gcca.org
Published Date
June 3, 2026
Topic
Cold Chain Development, Energy, Food Loss & Waste, Food Safety & Audits, Government & Regulatory Affairs, International, Supply Chain Operations, Sustainability, Technology, Transportation & Logistics
Region
Africa
Sector
GCCA Transportation, GCCA Warehouse