Definition: Continental cold chain development initiative under the African Union’s agricultural transformation agenda. Aims to reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security through cold chain infrastructure development across Africa.
Why It Matters: Continental cold chain development creates opportunities for South African cold chain expertise, equipment, and services across Africa. AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) implementation will increase intra-African trade requiring cold chain support.
Initiative Goals:
– Reduce post-harvest losses (currently 30-50% for perishables)
– Develop cold chain infrastructure in underserved areas
– Build regional cold chain capacity
– Harmonize standards across the continent
– Attract investment in cold chain
Focus Areas: First-mile cooling (farm-level), transport infrastructure, cold storage capacity, technology transfer, training and capacity building
Related Terms: AfCFTA, Food Security, Post-Harvest Loss, Cold Chain Development