The Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) and the African Centre for Excellence in Sustainable Cold Chain (ACES) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange. The agreement was formalized during the Clean Cooling Network Conference on Sustainable Cold Chain for the Global South, held at the University of Birmingham from 28–29 October 2025.
Under the MOU, technicians trained by the Clean Cooling Academy in Rwanda and India will be supported by ACES to join the IOR. This will give them access to IOR’s technical resources and continuing professional development opportunities.
The training covers key skills including refrigerant handling, safety, brazing, and cold chain operation. The initiative aims to integrate professional development into technical education for graduates of the Academy's programmes.
The IOR will also promote links between UK companies and the Academy to facilitate internship exchanges. This may include opportunities for Rwandan technicians to work with UK businesses and for UK experts to visit the Academy and local companies.
