(Logis-T Africa) This partnership between Carrier Transicold and ACES represents a significant step towards a more robust and sustainable cold chain infrastructure in East Africa, with positive implications for food security, public health, and environmental impact.
In a press release issued on March 14, 2024, Carrier Transicold, a leading provider of intelligent climate and energy solutions, announced a significant collaboration with the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES) to accelerate cold chain development in East Africa.
This partnership focuses on providing vital resources and expertise to strengthen the region’s cold chain infrastructure, impacting both the agricultural and healthcare sectors.
“Carrier Transicold is pleased to continue to collaborate with ACES to develop sustainable cold chain in the agriculture and health sectors throughout Africa,” Vincent Blaising, Managing Director, External Distribution, EMEA & South-East Asia for Carrier Transicold International Truck Trailer, is quoted in the press release. “This collaboration empowers individuals by helping them build valuable, lifelong skills, helping to support the local community, as well as actively developing a sustainable cold chain, leading to reduced food waste in the region.”
Collaboration at the Core
The ACES facility, inaugurated in Kigali, Rwanda on March 4th, serves as a central hub for knowledge transfer and technical assistance related to cold chain solutions. By mid-2024, the facility is expected to expand its offerings to include a cutting-edge technology testing and demonstration center, a comprehensive refrigeration and data telematics training facility, classrooms, a conference center, and a 200-hectare smart farm.
Carrier Transicold’s contribution to this initiative includes:
- Supplying advanced transport refrigeration units, including the Citimax 280 and Supra® HE 6 models, for training purposes.
- Implementing their connected cold chain solution, the Lynx Fleet telematics platform, to offer real-time visibility and control throughout the supply chain.
- Delivering theoretical and practical training sessions on cold chain management and transport refrigeration systems.
Shared Goals for a Sustainable Future
This collaboration aligns with Carrier’s 2030 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, which emphasize community development through hunger and food loss reduction initiatives.
“Carrier Transicold is a key supporter of the institute,” said Toby Peters, Centre for Sustainable Cooling Director and Professor of Cold Economy at the University of Birmingham and Heriot-Watt University. “It is thanks to the global leadership and expertise of our collaborators that we are confident in the quality of the programs that will be available at ACES,” the press release continues. “Collaboration is key to reach our goal to optimize cold chain solutions for food and health in East Africa.”
