An international conference focused on cold chain awareness will take place on November 12 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, aiming to address critical gaps in refrigeration infrastructure across Africa. Organized as a pan-African initiative, the event seeks to spotlight the role of cold chain systems in food preservation, healthcare delivery, and sustainable development.
According to the organizers, Africa loses up to 70% of its agricultural produce annually due to insufficient cold storage and transport systems. These gaps also compromise the effectiveness of vaccines and medicines, particularly in remote areas. The conference aims to bring together experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and civil society to develop region-specific, inclusive solutions.
Key goals of the event include demystifying cold chain technology, promoting African-led innovations, and integrating cold chain systems into national policies and development agendas.
“This is not just a conference—it’s a pan-African movement, a shift in how we value a sector that’s been overlooked for too long,” said Madi Sakandé, President of U-3ARC.
