InspiraFarms Cooling, a top sustainable cooling solutions provider for Africa’s fresh produce industry, has secured a €1 million investment from the Foundation for Clean Energy and Energy Inclusion for Africa (CEI Africa). The strategic partnership is focused on widening access to efficient cold storage infrastructure across the continent, addressing food wastage and empowering rural communities.
A mere 5% of African fresh produce accesses the cold chain, as opposed to 94% in Europe. This huge disparity leads to catastrophic losses, with 30-50% of food spoiling before reaching customers.
The expansion of the cold chain across Africa is both a essential and challenging task. There is a pressing need for a more extensive network of cold storage facilities to reduce food waste and make fresh produce more accessible. However, this is a difficult endeavor due to high installation costs and various risks, including those related to inconsistent electricity supplies and connectivity, especially in rural areas.
Despite the associated challenges, the situation is improving due to affordable, enhanced solar power, and access to financing options. One company at the forefront of this development is UK-based InspiraFarms. They specialize in the design, financing, and supply of energy-efficient, solar-powered cold rooms for agribusinesses and food distributors in East and Southern Africa.
- Reduced food loss: Extending shelf life and minimizing spoilage.
- Lower energy costs: Utilizing renewable energy options for sustainable operation.
- Market access: Equipping producers to meet stringent export standards.
Economic empowerment: Generating high-quality rural jobs and boosting incomes. - Beyond Profit: CEI Africa’s investment recognizes InspiraFarms Cooling’s commitment to both economic and environmental impact. Their solutions not only combat food waste but also:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Food loss accounts for 3.7% of global GHGs, and minimizing it plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation.
– Promote renewable energy: Their designs prioritize compatibility with clean energy sources.
InspiraFarms Cooling exemplifies the transformative potential of technology. Backed by CEI Africa, the company is set to dramatically reshape Africa’s cold chain landscape, striving towards a future where food waste is significantly reduced, rural communities prosper, and sustainability is prioritized.
