Africa’s top cold chain conference to focus on smart-tech and resilience in Durban

SOUTH AFRICA – The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) Africa Cold Chain Conference 2025, will take place in Durban this August, bringing together professionals working across food and pharmaceutical supply chains.

The conference, scheduled for 20–21 August at The Premier Splendid Inn Umhlanga, will focus on how smart technologies are reshaping temperature-controlled storage and transportation across Africa.

GCCA, which represents temperature-controlled logistics companies worldwide, organizes the annual event.

GCCA Director for Africa, Paul Matthew, said the event will provide a critical platform to share knowledge and build strong networks.

“Unlocking cold chain growth is key to Africa’s economic prosperity, to securing new international trade opportunities, to advancing healthcare provision, and to building greater resilience in the food supply chain,” he said.

Matthew added that new digital tools are already reshaping temperature-controlled storage and transport. “Smart technologies using features such as AI and automation are already opening up new avenues in cold storage and refrigerated transportation, and as they develop they could transform how the cold chain operates,” he said.

“The GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference in August is a fantastic chance to explore the path forwards.”

A strong lineup of speakers

This year’s conference will be chaired by GCCA Africa Chairman and Digistics CEO Renier du Preez. The speaker list includes a mix of trade, investment, infrastructure, and logistics professionals.

Notable names include Sean Hay of Fruit South Africa, Michelle Constant of the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa, and Adam Walker of Keyrus.

Others expected to speak are Dr Edison Machedi from the Border Management Authority, Paul Frankish from African Infrastructure Investment Managers, Andreas Rüsch, a trade consultant, and Jayson Coomer of Chicoa Fish Farm in Mozambique.

Matthew said the program will focus not only on tech, but also on wider issues shaping the sector. “There is a terrific roster of expert speakers at the conference who will be sharing their knowledge and expertise on applying smart technologies as well as other priority topics such as the changing global landscape for trade of perishable goods; financing the cold chain; and achieving greater resilience and efficiency in energy,” he said.

Growth across the sector

The timing of this event comes as Africa’s cold chain market shows signs of strong expansion. Projections show the industry could grow from US$11.78 billion in 2025 to US$17.54 billion by 2030. Another forecast estimates the sector could reach US$30 billion by 2031.

This growth is being driven by rising demand for perishable foods, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology products.

Governments are also looking for ways to reduce food waste and improve storage. The spread of e-commerce and online food delivery is putting extra pressure on companies to build stronger cold chains.

The 2024 edition of the GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference, held in Cape Town, addressed the same issues. It called on African governments to put more focus on cold chain investments.

Speakers in that event stressed the role cold storage plays in food security and regional trade, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Registration for the 2025 Durban event is now open at www.gcca.org/events/gcca-african-cold-chain-conference.

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