RiA Podcast Ep16: Chilling Challenges and Renewable Triumphs: Freezelink's CEO on Building Sustainable Cold Chains in Africa

Welcome to Episode #16 of the Renewables in Action podcast, where we dive deep into the world of sustainable energy and innovation. In this episode, we have the privilege of being joined by Owusu Akoto Akoto, the visionary CEO of FreezeLink , a company at the forefront of transforming the cold chain industry in Africa. Recently appointed to the Board of the Global Cold Chain Foundation (GCCF), Owusu Akoto is a prominent figure driving change and progress in the sector.

FreezeLink: Nurturing the Next 1 Billion

At the core of our captivating conversation lies FreezeLink, a company with a resolute mission – to develop distribution for "The Next 1 Billion" in Africa. FreezeLink achieves this formidable task through innovative cold chain solutions that are not only changing the game but also revolutionizing food security and waste reduction across the continent.

The Inspiring Journey:

Owusu Akoto's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From a successful career working with supply chains in the bustling streets of London, he made a remarkable transition to launch FreezeLink in Ghana. What motivated this remarkable leap? The answer lies in identifying unmet market needs and seizing unique opportunities that could drive significant impact.

The Cold Chain Conundrum:

Building a cold chain company in Africa, especially with a steadfast focus on renewables, is a challenge that demands determination and innovation. Owusu Akoto shares the challenges encountered along the way and how FreezeLink is conquering them with ingenuity.

Food Security and Waste Reduction:

Africa's cold chain infrastructure has long been underdeveloped, and the consequences have been felt in food security and rampant waste. Owusu Akoto shines a light on how FreezeLink's temperature-controlled transport and warehousing solutions are reversing these trends, ensuring that food reaches those who need it and reducing waste to a minimum.

Harnessing Renewables:

The story of FreezeLink is not just about cold storage; it's about sustainability. Discover how FreezeLink is harnessing the power of solar, wind, and other renewable technologies into its operations, effectively influencing costs and reliability.

Innovative Solutions:

Our conversation goes beyond the present. Owusu Akoto delves into the innovative renewable energy solutions that he believes could revolutionize cold chains in developing countries, setting a path towards a more sustainable and efficient future.

Diversifying with Renewables:

FreezeLink's commitment to renewables extends beyond solar. Explore the various renewable technologies that have been seamlessly integrated into its operations and understand how they have contributed to both cost-effectiveness and reliability.

Waste to Energy:

In a world where organic waste generated from food production is often overlooked, Owusu Akoto discusses how this valuable resource can be harnessed to create renewable energy for powering cold chains, offering both environmental and economic benefits.

Policy and Incentives:

Finally, we discuss the crucial role that financing and policy incentives play in expediting the adoption of renewables in cold chains across Africa. Owusu Akoto sheds light on what is needed from governments and international organizations to accelerate this transformative journey.

As you immerse yourself in this insightful conversation with Owusu Akoto, CEO of FreezeLink, prepare to be inspired by the audacious vision, unwavering commitment, and groundbreaking innovations that are redefining the cold chain industry in Africa and fostering a future of enhanced food security and sustainability.

Listen to the full podcast yourself: https://bit.ly/4b0AaEC

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Tony Tiyou?is the founder and CEO of?Renewables in Africa (RiA)?is a Clean Energy Company raising Awareness about Renewable Energy in Africa and across the globe. Have you checked my podcast “Renewables in Action” on?Spotify ,?Apple ,?Buzzsprout ?