On November 12, 2025, Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, will host the International Conference for the Popularization of Refrigeration in Africa, a landmark event designed to address critical gaps in the continent’s cold chain infrastructure. Organized as a pan-African initiative, the conference will focus on food preservation, safe delivery of vaccines and medicines, and sustainable development. Running alongside the conference will be the General Assembly of U-3ARC, making Burkina Faso the beating heart of refrigeration in Africa for a day.
According to organizers, Africa loses up to 70% of its agricultural products annually due to the lack of adequate cold storage and refrigerated transport. This deficit not only undermines food security but also compromises public health, particularly in rural and remote areas where vaccines and essential medicines require reliable refrigeration. The conference aims to deliver concrete, region-specific solutions, highlight African-led innovations, and promote the integration of cold chain technologies into national development policies.
Adding to the significance of the event, Burkina Faso has recently announced visa-free entry for all African nationals, a historic measure that will facilitate the participation of experts and stakeholders from across the continent. This decision symbolizes the country’s commitment to deeper continental integration and knowledge exchange. Technicians, engineers, researchers, and policymakers will come together to share expertise, build collaborations, and shape the future of refrigeration in Africa. As emphasized by Madi Sakandé, President of U-3ARC, this gathering is more than just a conference—it is a movement to redefine the role of refrigeration, turning structural challenges into opportunities for growth, resilience, and sustainable progress across Africa.