In a landmark move to strengthen cold chain infrastructure across Africa, the Foresight Institute of Research and Translation (FIRAT), Rwanda, and the National Accreditation Body for Cold Chain Management (NAB-CCM), India, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This five-year strategic partnership positions FIRAT as NAB-CCM’s exclusive implementation partner across the African continent.
This collaboration aims to drive critical advancements in infrastructure, professional training, facility accreditation, industry outreach, and research initiatives within the public health sector. By doing so, it addresses key challenges associated with the storage and transportation of temperature-sensitive goods such as food, medicines, and vaccines.
“This collaboration brings awareness and implementation of cold chain standards to Africa’s doorsteps. By combining NAB-CCM’s global expertise with our local insight, we’re creating resilient, future-ready solutions tailored to African realities,” said Kudirat Adedeji, Managing Director of FIRAT.
Echoing this sentiment, Avinash Verma, Founder of NAB-CCM, stated, “Our mission is to empower communities through accredited cold chain professionals. Partnering with FIRAT allows us to scale that mission, advancing sustainability, health, and education across Africa.”
This alliance aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)—emphasizing a shared commitment to inclusive growth, local capacity building, and long-term impact.
FIRAT is a trailblazing institution committed to advancing cutting-edge research, translating innovative findings into real-world solutions, and fostering cross-sector innovation. With a strong focus on sustainable development, FIRAT works to empower communities across Nigeria, Rwanda, and the broader African region.
On the other hand, NAB-CCM stands as the first-of-its-kind global ecosystem dedicated to cold chain management. Built on collaborations between academia, industry, and government, NAB-CCM provides education, training, awareness, certification, incubation, and accreditation services. Its focus on equipping businesses and professionals involved in the cold chain ensures that temperature-sensitive goods maintain their quality, efficacy, and integrity—safeguarding public health and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Together, FIRAT and NAB-CCM are not just building infrastructure; they are building a legacy. Their partnership marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s cold chain landscape—laying the foundation for resilience, equity, and innovation for generations to come.
