The Organization for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa
(OTACCWA)

The Organization for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA) is a multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral body comprising professionals, companies, and organizations in Nigeria and ECOWAS countries. It aims to organize and advocate for stakeholders in the cold chain supply industry, focusing on perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines. OTACCWA promotes industry collaboration, sustainability, and innovation, including policy recommendations, standards setting, and infrastructure development.

​

Key Objectives and Activities:

1. Sustainability and Innovation: Advocates for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing collaboration to make the cold chain industry more sustainable. Encourages investment in innovation, research, development, and education.

2. Policy Advocacy: Provides recommendations for policy frameworks that support the growth of the cold chain industry, with an emphasis on food security, nutrition, and the role of the private sector.

3. Multi-modal Transport Development: Facilitates and fosters the development of multi-modal transportation facilities for temperature-sensitive products, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

4. Government and Private Sector Collaboration: Establishes formal linkages with the government to clearly define the role of the private sector in food and nutrition security and related programs.

5. Training and Capacity Building: Offers training, capacity-building programs, and access to international expertise. OTACCWA also provides members with access to loans, grants, and a business-to-business network to promote collaboration within the sector.

6. Cold Chain Development: Supports the development of cold chains for medical supplies, food, cosmetics, and related industries.

7. International Partnerships: Collaborates with multinational NGOs and foreign donors such as The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) to secure low-interest loans, infrastructure support, and legal protection for members.

8. Annual Events: Hosts the West Africa Cold Chain Summit and Exhibition (WACCSE), which gathers local and global cold chain stakeholders to explore business opportunities and share innovations.

 

OTACCWA is a key driver in advancing cold chain logistics in West Africa, advocating for sustainable practices, policy support, and capacity building to improve industry standards.