Cold Chain Logistics: Closing the Perishables Gap Across Africa
Africa loses 30-40 percent of fresh produce post-harvest, much of it preventable with cold chain infrastructure. Investment in cold storage and refrigerated transport is accelerating in Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa.
Post-harvest food losses in sub-Saharan Africa are estimated at 30-40 percent of total production, representing $48 billion annually. A large share of these losses are attributable to the absence of cold chain infrastructure between farm and market. Horticultural exports from Kenya's Rift Valley and Ethiopia's highlands require continuous refrigerated supply chains from pack house to export terminal to retain quality and shelf life. Domestic cold chain for fish, dairy, and poultry is equally underdeveloped across most African markets.
Investment Acceleration
AGCO, Carrier Refrigeration, and Daikin have been expanding African distribution networks for refrigeration equipment. Development finance institutions including IFC, CDC Group (now BII), and Proparco are financing cold storage facilities along major agricultural corridors. Kenya has 65 cold storage facilities with an estimated 120,000 tonne capacity, growing at 15 percent annually. Morocco's 250 cold storage units serve its highly integrated fresh produce export supply chains. Agribusinesses and logistics companies developing cold chain capabilities can connect with equipment suppliers and facility investors on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.