The 4-6 March 2024 saw a significant milestone for the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain (ACES) with the Phase 1 launch event marking the official opening of the ACES headquarters on the Rubirizi Campus in Kigali.

Led by Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Hon. Minister Dr. Jeanne D’Arc Mujawamariya: “The launch of ACES represents a pivotal moment in our journey towards sustainable cooling solutions. By collaborating across sectors, we can address pressing challenges and pave the way for a greener, and more equitable future.” Throughout the event, more than 100 stakeholders, policymakers, and industry experts gathered to share insights and visions for sustainable cooling systems. Keynote addresses emphasized the collaborative spirit driving ACES, highlighting its mission to develop affordable, resilient, and equitable cooling solutions to address pressing challenges in food security, economic stability, and public health.

ACES is co-led by UNEP U4E, United Kingdom and Rwandan academic partners, and the Governments of Rwanda and the United Kingdom through the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) for the Rwanda Ministry of Environment, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Its aim is to accelerate the deployment of sustainable cold-chain solutions in Africa to improve livelihoods, health, food and nutritional security.  This will be achieved through the development of transformative solutions at the ACES headquarters and the demonstration of these solutions in rural communities at the associated SPOKEs (Specialized Outreach and Knowledge Establishments) as they develop across Africa.

By late summer 2024, ACES will house an environmental test chamber, a ground breaking facility enabling the testing and eventual certification of equipment tailored to African needs.

The Centre will also host the largest single demonstration of cold-chain equipment of all scales and applications, complemented by state-of-the-art training facilities and inclusive courses.

In less than four years, the project has moved from concept to a physical campus in Kigali. The past six months, in particular, mark a significant milestone as the Government of Rwanda spearheaded the construction of a brand-new demonstration hall and the extensive refurbishment of the site. New equipment is arriving at the headquarters, as well as the first outreach SPOKE in Kenya.

Simultaneously, at the SPOKE in Kenya, community outreach programmes are being launched, including a unique “Try Before You Buy” programme giving farmers the opportunity to trial technology before making investments.  The work is underpinned with a strong cohort of trained trainers and technicians.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Minister Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya commented: “ACES represents a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food and health systems for Africa. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, ACES will empower farmers, healthcare workers, and stakeholders across various sectors to mitigate losses, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable development.”

ACES and the system-level approach are now being recognized as leading work that will have real impact on people’s lives globally, aligning closely with key objectives of resilience, sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion.

To learn more about ACES and how to get involved, click here, or contact Alice Moreau, Partner Engagements and SPOKEs Lead, UNEP U4E, alice.moreau@un.org.