The International Conference on the Popularization of Refrigeration in Africa (CIVUFA) brough together more than 300 participants from 23 countries to define a continental strategy positioning refrigeration as a lever for sustainable development. Organised by U-3ARC together with leading international partners – including FAO, UNEP, UNIDO, the International Institute of Refrigeration and Centro Studi Galileo – the event produced a series of recommendations addressed to governments, technical partners and national associations, aimed at strengthening skills, infrastructure and policies dedicated to the sector.
Discussions highlighted the cross-cutting importance of refrigeration within the African economy: from the agri-food chain to public health, and from air conditioning to industrial processes. An efficient cold chain reduces post-harvest losses, supports food security and extends product shelf life, while modern refrigeration and air-conditioning technologies contribute to building comfort and energy management.
Innovations linked to the Kigali Amendment and the sector’s energy footprint. The conference conclusions resulted in a structured roadmap: integrating refrigeration into public policies, establishing national agencies and focal points, promoting energy efficiency and renewable sources, supporting certified training for technicians, and fostering demonstration platforms and projects linked to food sovereignty.
The complete proceeding are available here: