Importation of Refrigeration Equipment in Africa: Towards a Significant Reduction in Customs Duties

Did you know? In nearly all African countries, the refrigeration and air conditioning sector faces exorbitant customs duties on imported equipment.

In Burkina Faso, these duties amount to 48%. Sudan (111%) and Zimbabwe (80%) top the list of countries that fail to incentivize the sector domestically (see figures here: Importation Equipements Aberrants Taux De Taxation De Droit De Douane - U-3ARC). This makes refrigeration appliances unaffordable.

Madi Sakandé, President of the Union of African Associations of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Stakeholders (U-3ARC), was the guest of honor at the International Forum on Leadership and Innovation in Agriculture (FILIA) held from April 3 to 6, 2025, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. During the event, he urged African governments to revise taxation policies on refrigeration equipment across the continent.

Speaking at FILIA—a high-level gathering of agricultural and innovation experts—Sakandé delivered a keynote address under the sub-theme of Sustainable Cold Chain Solutions for Food Self-Sufficiency. He outlined actionable strategies to address critical challenges.

According to Sakandé, reducing these taxes would undoubtedly add significant value to Africa’s vast agricultural resources. He emphasized that achieving food self-sufficiency hinges on robust cold chain infrastructure: 'The issue of preservation will always plague our dear continent. As long as we cannot preserve our produce, we"ll forever be forced to beg others for help"

The inaugural edition of FILIA, held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, was widely praised by participants for its relevant themes and the expertise of its panelists.