On January 22, 2026, the Green TERRE Foundation (GTF) and the Union of Associations of African Actors in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (U-3ARC) signed a strategic partnership to accelerate the decarbonization of African university campuses.
The agreement, signed during an online ceremony, aims to position African higher education institutions as active contributors to climate action. Dr. Rajendra Shende, Director and Founder of GTF, and Madi Sakandé, President of U-3ARC, signed the partnership in the presence of Francis Semporé, Stephen Gill (founder of World Refrigeration Day), Juliette Kongo/Yabré (U-3ARC Ambassador for Refrigeration), and other technical experts.
The initiative integrates U-3ARC’s technical expertise in refrigeration and air conditioning with GTF’s Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN). It focuses on training students and faculty in sustainable energy management and carbon neutrality, with universities expected to serve as "living laboratories" for low-carbon innovation. These institutions will undertake carbon footprint assessments and engage in defining University Determined Contributions (UDCs) aligned with global climate goals.
Beyond emissions reduction, the partnership addresses regional challenges such as food and energy security. Improved refrigeration practices are expected to support rural communities and reduce deforestation.
According to the joint statement: “Together, we aim to empower youth to shape a sustainable future and position Africa not only as a territory to protect, but as a source of solutions and global hope.”
The collaboration will also extend to participation in international climate forums, including COPs and MOPs, to promote Africa’s leadership in sustainable technologies and local knowledge.
This two-year agreement sets the foundation for transforming African universities into hubs for climate resilience and sustainable development.
