Rising Resilience in Cold Chain | Mettcover Spotlight on Africa

“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up, it knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve.“

Christopher McDougall

This quote embodies the indomitable African spirit that thrives in the face of challenges and inspires a relentless pursuit of growth and progress. It perfectly captures the spirit that propels Africa’s Cold Chain, an industry dedicated to overcoming obstacles and revolutionizing the cold chain landscape across the continent with technology and fore-mostly an unprecedented collaboration amongst African Federal Governments.

How Africa’s Cold Chain Revolution is Powering Healthcare through Innovation

Leading pharmaceutical manufacturers, such as Moderna and BioNTech, have started investing in building facilities in Africa. The shift towards producing pharmaceutical goods within Africa aligns with the goal of producing 60% of Africa’s vaccine needs locally by 2040. This sudden influx of domestic manufacturing is pushing cold chains to globalize and improve infrastructure and availability of temperature-controlled packaging.

The RED Approach

The Reaching Every District (RED) approach is transforming immunization coverage in Africa. The RED approach, championed by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a comprehensive strategy designed to strengthen immunization systems and reach every district in Africa. By empowering local health management teams, RED has become a catalyst for change, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to life-saving vaccines, covering their critical last mile in repurposed vaccine cooler bags .

According to a WHO report (2008), In Nigeria, immunization coverage in previously underserved areas increased from a mere 35% to a remarkable 80%. Similar success stories have emerged from countries like Ethiopia and Ghana, where the RED approach has contributed to significant improvements in immunization coverage, saving countless lives along the way.

Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) is shaping the future of immunization in Africa.

The GVAP’s impact is far-reaching in this aspect. The introduction of new vaccines and expanded immunization programs has led to a significant decline in child mortality across Africa. Targeted efforts to improve cold chain infrastructure have contributed to a substantial increase in vaccine availability and accessibility, with almost 100% of African children receiving at least first dose of measles vaccine.

Temperature monitoring in cold chain is crucial while managing vaccines. The WHO’s vaccine management handbook (2015) outlines effective methods for monitoring temperatures in the vaccine supply chain. African countries are actively adopting these guidelines, utilizing advanced technologies like remote temperature monitoring systems and solar-powered refrigerators.

In Mali, for instance, solar-powered refrigeration units have been deployed in rural health centers, ensuring a continuous cold chain and reducing the risk of vaccine spoilage. These innovative solutions not only enhance vaccine safety but also contribute to the sustainability of the cold chain in resource-constrained settings.

The Cold Rush in Africa is driven with increasing population, rising incomes and is due to higher demand for better food items and medicines. One sector that stands out in the African cold chain industry is the meat and seafood market. With projections of generating over $50 billion by 2026, growing at a remarkable CAGR of more than 6%, this segment has immense potential. As Africa’s population continues to soar and dietary preferences evolve, the demand for high-quality meat and seafood products is on the rise. The cold chain infrastructure plays a pivotal role in meeting this demand, ensuring that these perishable goods reach consumers in optimal condition.

The emerging trends and innovations are changing Africa’s cold chain industry

The cold chain industry in Africa is undergoing a transformation, driven by technological advancements, improved infrastructure, and innovative solutions. Here are some notable trends and innovations that are revolutionizing the industry:

Solar-Powered Cold Storage

With Africa’s abundant sunlight, solar-powered refrigeration systems are becoming increasingly popular. These systems not only reduce dependence on electricity grids but also enable the preservation of vaccines, medicines, and perishable food items in off-grid and remote areas, enhancing accessibility and affordability.

Cold Chain Monitoring Technologies

Real-time monitoring solutions, such as temperature data loggers, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, are revolutionizing cold chain management. These technologies are empowering stakeholders to track and monitor the temperature and humidity conditions of vaccines and food products throughout the supply chain, ensuring compliance with quality standards and reducing the risk of spoilage.

Last-Mile Delivery Innovations

The last-mile delivery, which refers to the transportation of goods from distribution centers to end-users, is a critical aspect of the cold chain industry. Innovations such as electric vehicles, drones, and bike couriers are being deployed to overcome infrastructure challenges and reach remote communities efficiently.

Government Initiatives and Rising End-User Demand

The African governments’ recognition of the critical role played by the cold chain industry has sparked various initiatives and programs to bolster its growth. The implementation of the National Transport Master Plan 2050 aims to guide the development of a multimodal transportation system, catering to the long-term needs of South Africa’s transport sector. Moreover, the demand for temperature-controlled products continues to surge, driven by changing consumer preferences and the entry of new players into the market. This, in turn, propels the need for efficient cold chain services.

The Dominance of Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

In a realm where large investments are required, manufacturers are increasingly turning to third-party logistics (3PL) providers for cold storage solutions. The 3PL companies offer not only cost-effective alternatives but also value-added services such as repackaging and consolidation, further driving their popularity among end users. This preference for outsourcing cold storage to 3PL providers extends to sectors like pharmaceuticals and processed foods, where customized warehousing solutions based on specific customer needs are crucial.

In Africa, there are several public and private partnerships in Africa selling Cooling as a Service (CaaS) and Turnkey Refrigeration facilities in remote areas. Countries like Sudan are becoming favored industrial playgrounds for CaaS. UK, represented by the University of Birmingham is leading the way with over 4 million pounds worth of investment in the African Cold Economy.

Cold chain management is contributing to tackling malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa?

Malnutrition is a pressing issue in sub-Saharan Africa, where millions of people (majority children) suffer from inadequate access to nutritious food. Cold chain management plays a crucial role in addressing this challenge by preserving the nutritional value and freshness of perishable food items such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. One of the key strategies is the establishment of cold storage and distribution facilities throughout the food supply chain. By maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels, these facilities prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of food items, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring that nutrient-rich food reaches consumers in a safe and fresh condition.

Effective cold chain management is enabling the transportation of food from surplus regions to deficit regions, bridging the gap between production and consumption. This not only helps in alleviating food shortages but also provides access to diverse and nutritious food options, contributing to a balanced diet and improved health outcomes.

These are undoubtedly the Fertile Lands

Among the vast African landscape, several key regions have emerged as hotbeds for the cold chain industry. Major cities such as Gauteng, Cape Town, and Durban, strategically located near industrial hubs, have become epicenters for the storage and transport of temperature-sensitive goods. The proximity to these regions not only facilitates efficient distribution but also attracts investments in cold chain infrastructure and technological advancements.

Africa’s burgeoning middle class, rapid urbanization, and changing consumption patterns have set the stage for substantial growth in the food industry. In fact, experts predict a staggering 7.9% growth rate between 2021 and 2026.

The surge in demand for processed and fresh food products has become a driving force behind the expansion of the cold chain market in Africa. As modernization sweeps the continent, more individuals are embracing urban lifestyles and seeking healthier food options, prompting a significant rise in domestic consumption. The African cold chain industry certainly represents a vital link in the global food supply chain, poised to contribute to food security, economic growth, and the well-being of millions. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt, it holds the promise of transforming Africa into a hub of innovative cold chain solutions, setting new standards for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

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