The 2025 Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) Africa Cold Chain Conference will take place on 20–21 August at the Premier Splendid Inn in Durban, South Africa. The event will bring together professionals from Africa's temperature-controlled logistics sector, along with technology experts, food industry stakeholders, and public officials, to examine the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in strengthening third-party cold chain services.
Organised by the GCCA, the annual conference is a key gathering for the continent's cold storage and refrigerated transport industries. This year's edition will be chaired by Renier du Preez, GCCA Africa Chairman and CEO of Digistics.
The programme will address major opportunities and challenges for the sector. Scheduled speakers include Sean Hay, General Manager of Fruit South Africa; Michelle Constant, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa; Adam Walker, General Manager at Keyrus; Dr Edison Machedi of the Border Management Authority; Paul Frankish from African Infrastructure Investment Managers; Andreas Rüsch, a trade consultant; and Jayson Coomer, CFO of Chicoa Fish Farm in Mozambique.
Topics will include the use of AI and smart systems in cold storage and transport, cold chain financing, evolving trade dynamics for perishables, and strategies to improve energy efficiency and supply chain resilience.
Paul Matthew, GCCA's Director for Africa, stated that smart technologies are beginning to play a significant role in Africa's cold chain, offering potential to reshape the industry. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in preparing for future demands in both the food and pharmaceutical sectors.
In addition to presentations and panel discussions, the conference will include a trade exhibition and networking sessions.
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For more information:
Global Cold Chain Alliance
Tel: +1 703 373 4300
Email: [email protected]
www.gcca.org