A significant number of people in Africa still face the challenge of limited access to this essential technology.
This disparity doesn't just mean extra expenses for those without refrigeration; it also affects productivity, health, and overall economic development across the region. Amidst these challenges, a promising trend is emerging.
(Photo : ABADJAYE JUSTIN SODOGANDJI/AFP via Getty Images)
A woman carries water sachets on her head in the Dantokpa market, one of the largest open-air market in West Africa, in Cotonou on February 29, 2024.
Revolutionizing Refrigeration Access
A new wave of innovators is rising to the occasion, determined to tackle the issue head-on. Innovators are exploring innovative solutions, leveraging renewable technologies to bridge the gap in refrigeration accessibility across Sub-Saharan Africa.
By harnessing the power of renewable energy sources and pioneering new approaches, these innovators are not only striving to make refrigeration more accessible but also aiming to positively impact livelihoods, health outcomes, and economic prosperity throughout the region.
In regions with unreliable or expensive electricity, the breakdown of the cold chain impacts various industries, including food production, pharmaceuticals, and hospitality.
This not only affects the ability to keep food fresh but also hampers economic growth. According to the International Energy Agency, around 775 million people globally lack access to electricity, a number that is increasing.
African Innovators
In Kenya, where fishing sustains the livelihoods of approximately 1.2 million individuals, the lack of refrigeration infrastructure often leads to significant post-catch wastage.
Kuza Freezer, headquartered in Mombasa, is combating this challenge by introducing solar-powered portable freezers and mobile cool boxes that rely solely on battery power.
Kuza's innovative approach extends to affordability, offering a pay-as-you-go and rent-to-own model. This allows fishers and other stakeholders to access refrigeration solutions without the burden of upfront costs.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, the startup Baridi is addressing similar challenges within Kenya's livestock industry. Specializing in bridging gaps in the cold chain, Baridi has developed solar-powered cool rooms capable of storing substantial quantities of fresh meat.
To make their solutions accessible to smallholders and small distributors, Baridi offers leasing arrangements and a pay-as-you-store model. These initiatives aim to enhance efficiency and reduce waste within Kenya's critical agricultural sectors.
In the Ivory Coast, Cool Lion is making strides with its production of solar-powered commercial cool rooms. These units can be powered either by solar energy, grid energy, or a combination of both, offering flexibility to businesses.
Similar to other companies mentioned, Cool Lion provides various payment options, including direct purchase, pay-as-you-go leasing, and rent-to-own arrangements, all aimed at reducing upfront costs for customers.
SureChill is among the companies dedicated to tackling the refrigeration deficit in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to their estimates, only 17 percent of the total population and a mere four percent of the rural population in this region have access to refrigeration, and even then, it's often sporadic.
The new refrigeration technology primarily benefits small business owners and farmers by enabling them to sell cold food and preserve produce longer. Cultural differences play a role in the adoption of refrigeration technology.
While in Western countries, refrigeration reduces the need for daily shopping trips, in many African communities, market visits are social events. Interesting Engineering highlights the importance of respecting cultural practices and not imposing external views on household management.
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