2nd West Africa Cold Chain Summit & Exhibition (WACCSE) Nigeria, 2019

The 2^nd West Africa Cold Chain Summit & Exhibition (WACCSE), Nigeria 2019 with the theme “Unlocking Practical Cold Chain Solutions in Africa” was organized by the Organization for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA) and held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja Lagos on 5^th-6^th November, 2019. It was an assemblage of players/exhibitors in the cold chain industry from the food, pharma, chemicals, logistics, warehousing, regulatory, technology, trade, research, banking and consulting sectors.

Presentations and panel discussions were on cold chain solutions. There were 12 presentations and 5 animated panel discussions with proffered practical solutions to address challenges encountered with cost of doing business, maintaining the pharma and food cold chain and addressing post-harvest losses. Nugata Consults Ltd, which I represented, made a presentation on HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point) in the Cold Chain Industry: Food, Pharma & Healthcare. The panel discussion was moderated by Mrs. Vivian Maduekeh (Managing Principal, Food Health Systems Advisory) and the panelists were Mrs. Jane Omojokun (MD, Nugata Consults Ltd); Dr. Bukar Usman (Director, Veterinary Medicine & Products Directorate, NAFDAC); Mr. Adelana Olamilekan (Zenith Carex International); Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya (Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture) and the representative of Mr. Nnaemaka Ikegwuonu (CEO, ColdHubs Ltd.). Other presentations on cold chain solutions were on lessons from India and South Africa; use of LPG for refrigeration and cooling; design, cost and operations; pathways to sustainable energy solutions; harnessing innovative solutions;  retrofitting dry trucks to refrigerated trucks for cold chain logistics; investment opportunities in food distribution and marketing; investment opportunities in FinTech; special considerations when handling fresh produce and sustainable packaging solutions for the cold chain industry.

The event was a huge success  recording 10 sponsors, 4 media partners, 28 exhibitors and great opportunities for B2B connections and networking.

The Summit ended with an AGM/election that saw Mr. Tunde Okoya emerge as the new OTACCWA President replacing Dr. Augustine Okoruwa who is now the Chairman of OTACCWA Board of Trustees (BOT).