In a groundbreaking move that promises to reshape the landscape of perishable goods and pharmaceutical storage in Africa, ARCH Cold Chain Solutions has unveiled its pioneering cold storage facility in Nairobi’s Tatu City Special Economic Zone. Backed by a robust funding strategy, including a significant injection of $15 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB), this facility marks a historic leap forward in the continent’s cold chain capabilities.
Unlocking Potential, Reducing Waste: Africa’s First-of-its-Kind Cold Storage Facility
Situated in Tatu City, the ARCH Cold Chain Solutions facility is a testament to innovation and sustainability. Covering an impressive 17,700 square meters and designed to accommodate up to 18,000 pallets, it stands as Africa’s first cold storage facility to operate with unparalleled flexibility in services, accommodating a diverse range of products and operating within various temperature ranges.
Addressing a Critical Need: Reducing Food Waste in East Africa
The facility’s primary mission is to combat the alarming 37% food loss estimated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) in Sub-Saharan Africa. By providing state-of-the-art cold storage solutions, ARCH Cold Chain Solutions aims to enhance safety standards in food distribution throughout East Africa. This visionary initiative aligns with the facility’s commitment to sustainability, evidenced by its pursuit of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification—the first of its kind in Africa.
Strategic Expansion and Global Impact
ARCH Cold Chain Solutions is not content with merely revolutionizing cold storage in Nairobi. Plans are already in motion to expand operations to other East African countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. The strategic vision extends to establishing a significant presence in Mombasa, Kigali, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, and Kampala, with a combined cold storage capacity of a staggering 100,000 tonnes.
EIB’s Pivotal Role and Endorsement
The EIB’s investment of $15 million underscores the global importance of ARCH Cold Chain Solutions’ venture. Edward Claessen, Head of EIB Regional Hub for Eastern Africa, expressed pride in supporting a facility that not only addresses a critical need in the region but also sets new global standards for food safety. Despite economic challenges, this collaboration highlights the potential for private investment to drive transformative change across the continent.
A Visionary Approach to Food Safety
Fredd Kambo, Managing Director and Co-Head of ARCH Cold Chain Solutions East Africa Fund, emphasizes the facility’s commitment to creating a meaningful impact on food safety. The logistics system embedded within the facility ensures end-to-end product monitoring and tracing, bolstering confidence in the quality of goods delivered.
In conclusion, ARCH Cold Chain Solutions’ launch of Africa’s first-of-its-kind cold storage facility is not just a milestone; it’s a beacon of hope for a continent grappling with food waste and distribution challenges. As the facility looks to the future with ambitious expansion plans, it symbolizes Africa’s potential to lead the way in sustainable and innovative solutions for the world.
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