• DP World plans a $29 million cold storage facility in Egypt with a 25,000-pallet capacity.

• The 16,000 m² facility will store refrigerated and frozen goods, addressing growing food logistics needs.

• Africa's cold storage capacity covers less than 30% of annual production, leading to significant post-harvest losses.

The port and logistics group DP World announced the signing of an agreement with Elsewedy Industrial Development. The agreement outlines the construction of a cold storage warehousing facility in Egypt's Al Oula region. The investment cost is estimated at $29 million (approximately 1.4 billion Egyptian pounds).

The infrastructure, spanning 16,194 m² within Elsewedy Industrial Park, will feature eight temperature-controlled chambers. These chambers will offer a total capacity of 25,000 pallet positions. It will specifically store refrigerated and frozen products, including fruits, vegetables, and dairy items.

"This facility represents a major step in strengthening Egypt’s cold chain capabilities and creating new opportunities for trade and industry," commented Mohammad Shihab, General Manager of DP World Egypt.

While the project signifies progress, the challenge remains substantial across Africa. According to the World Bank, available food storage capacities on the continent cover less than 30% of annual production. This structural weakness exacerbates post-harvest losses: nearly 40% of perishable goods and 20% of other food products disappear from supply chains each year.

Nevertheless, prospects remain promising. According to the data platform Grand View Horizon, the African and Middle Eastern cold chain market could reach $131.7 billion by 2030, with an estimated average annual growth rate of 8%.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa

Adapted in French by Ange Jason Quenum