Continental Cold Chain & Food Logistics Network

A network of cold storage and temperature-controlled logistics linking production areas to processing sites and urban markets. The program is at NBP-2 on the NBP readiness ladder and is recorded at concept confidence. Scope, cost and structure remain subject to the studies listed below.

A significant proportion of perishable production is lost between harvest and market. Losses fall hardest on smallholder producers, who have least capacity to absorb them.

Reduce post-harvest loss and raise the share of agricultural output that reaches market in saleable condition.

Study a network of aggregation points with cold storage, linked by temperature-controlled transport to processing and urban markets, sited according to production density and existing road connectivity.

• Producer aggregation centres
• Cold storage facilities
• Temperature-controlled transport
• Processing linkages
• Market distribution points
• Quality and traceability systems

Location: Multi-country, Africa

Smallholder and commercial producers, processors, traders, and urban consumers.

• Technical scope to be established through pre-feasibility study
• Design standards to follow applicable national and international codes
• Environmental and social screening prior to design finalisation

• Reliable electricity
• Road connectivity
• Producer organisation
• Processing capacity
• Skills in cold chain operation

Cold chain investment is generally viable where production density and reliable power coincide. Site selection is therefore the determining factor in feasibility.

Delivery and ownership structure to be determined at commercial structuring (NBP-6). Options include public delivery, partnership structures and concession models, assessed against value for money and risk allocation.

To be determined. Suitable capital categories will be assessed at NBP-6 and NBP-7 against the project’s risk profile and revenue characteristics.

Revenue and sustainability model under development. Where user charges are not viable, availability-based or budget-funded models will be assessed.

Classification: To be assigned following environmental and social screening.

Environmental assessment will be completed to the standard required by national regulation and applicable lender policy before any commitment is sought.

Social assessment will address land, livelihoods, resettlement risk, community consultation and equitable access to the resulting service.

1. 1Concept developmentCurrentScope, beneficiaries and components defined at concept level.
2. 2Pre-feasibilityNextTechnical and commercial viability tested at order-of-magnitude level.
3. 3FeasibilitySubsequentFull technical, financial, environmental and social case established.
4. 4Structuring & financingSubsequentDelivery model settled and capital matched to the opportunity.