The government of Rwanda has secured funding worth $18 million, approximately RWF 26.6 billion, to construct cold storage facilities in the country. The funds were provided by the Africa Go Green Fund (ACG), an organization that supports projects aimed at environmental conservation. The cold storage facilities will be built in Kigali's Masoro Industrial Park, located in the Gasabo district. The project aims to address the shortage of cold storage facilities in the country, which has been a major challenge for farmers and producers.
The cold storage facilities, which will be operated by Cold Solutions Rwanda, are expected to have an initial capacity to store 4,000 pallets of produce, with the potential to increase to 8,000 pallets. The facilities will not only provide storage for agricultural produce but also offer cooling solutions for perishable goods. This project is expected to support farmers and producers in Rwanda, enabling them to store their produce for longer periods and reducing post-harvest losses. The facilities will also help to improve the quality of produce, making it possible for farmers to access better markets.
The lack of cold storage facilities in Rwanda has been a significant challenge for the agricultural sector, leading to substantial losses of produce. The country's agricultural sector has been growing rapidly, and the demand for cold storage facilities has increased. The government has been working to address this challenge, and the funding from ACG is a significant step in this direction. The project is also expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the country.
According to Suki Muia, the investment manager at ARCH Cold Chain Solutions East Africa Fund, the funding from ACG is a significant milestone for Cold Solutions Rwanda. Muia expressed her excitement about the project, stating that it will help to address the challenges faced by farmers and producers in Rwanda. The project is also expected to support the government's efforts to promote economic development and reduce poverty.
The cold storage facilities will be equipped with modern technology, enabling efficient storage and handling of produce. The facilities will also provide training and capacity-building programs for farmers and producers, enabling them to make the most of the facilities. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the agricultural sector in Rwanda, enabling farmers to access better markets and improve their livelihoods.
Laurène Aigrain, the CEO of ACG, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating that it aligns with the organization's commitment to supporting sustainable development and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Aigrain also highlighted the importance of investing in cold storage facilities, stating that it will help to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality of produce.
The project is a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Rwanda. The country has been making significant progress in promoting economic development and reducing poverty, and the cold storage facilities are expected to play a critical role in this process. The project is also expected to support the government's efforts to promote sustainable development and address the challenges posed by climate change.
Key points
- The funding from ACG will be used to construct cold storage facilities with an initial capacity to store 4,000 pallets of produce.
- The project aims to address the shortage of cold storage facilities in Rwanda, which has been a major challenge for farmers and producers.
- The cold storage facilities will be equipped with modern technology, enabling efficient storage and handling of produce.
