SUPPLY CHAIN

Poor cold chain logistics resulting in massive food wastage in Africa

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Nigeria reportedly has less than 4% of its cold chain capacity requirement. Much of Africa faces a similar challenge.

Challenges within Nigerian cold chain logistics are causing significant losses of total food production due to post-harvest spoilage, according to a report published by Business Day Nigeria newspaper and various other local news media outlets. The report references the U.S. International Trade Administration. 

Cold storage trucks are in short supply. Photo shows a Spar vehicle in SA

The newspaper quotes Alexander Isong, President of the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa, as saying: “We have very small, minute, cold rooms that don’t scratch the surface.” 

 

Business Day Nigeria adds that the African Post-Harvest Loss Information System estimates Nigeria loses around 40% of its total food production to post-harvest spoilage each year, with fruits and vegetables suffering losses of up to 70%. 

 

Michael Akintese, co-founder of Ecotutu, a cold-chain storage and logistics firm, says Nigeria operates at less than 4% of its cold chain capacity requirement, a shortfall that costs farmers and agribusinesses up to US$4.5-billion annually. 

 

“This gap highlights an investment opportunity in the country’s cold chain sector, valued at approximately $206-million in 2023,” reports Business Day Nigeria. 

 

“Potential investments range from automated storage solutions to the manufacturing of plastic crates for fresh produce transport, and the acquisition of cold storage trucks for perishable goods.” 

 

Significant food wastage due to inefficient supply chain infrastructure 

 

In a blog post published in September 2024, logistics and infrastructure consultancy ALG Global notes that, on average, Africa wastes about 50% of its food due to inefficient supply chain infrastructure, particularly in agriculture.  

 

In sub-Saharan Africa, where over 60% of the population are smallholder farmers, inadequate cold chain facilities worsen this issue. In addition, cold storages for pharmaceutical products often lack the capacity to store vaccines and temperature-sensitive medicines in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines, contributing to a global annual death toll of 1.5-million people from preventable diseases.  

 

“|By recognising the critical role of a sustainable cold chain from farm to market, both private and public sectors are increasingly investing in this essential infrastructure in Africa,” ALG Global states. 

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.