U-3ARC U-3ARC Union of Associations of African Actors in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
U-3ARC Union of Associations of African Actors in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

RefrigAir Expo in Casablanca : Refrigerant fluids at the heart of Madi Sakandé‘s communication

The president of the Union of African Associations of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Actors (U-3ARC), Madi Sakandé, spoke on Tuesday, May 20, in Casablanca, Morocco, about innovations and regulatory transition concerning refrigerant fluids on the continent. Lassané OUÉDRAOGO

RefrigAir Expo in Casablanca : Refrigerant fluids at the heart of Madi Sakandé‘s communication




Innovations and regulatory transition concerning refrigerant fluids. This is a timely topic, as refrigerant fluids—essential to cooling systems—are undergoing a major regulatory transition aimed at reducing their environmental impact. Starting in 2025, refrigerant fluids with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) above 2,500 will be banned in new commercial refrigeration systems. This regulatory shift is pushing the industry to innovate, developing more sustainable solutions that meet new requirements. 
But what about Africa? That is the real challenge. For Madi Sakandé, Africa must first understand the importance of refrigeration and carefully choose its technologies and refrigerants. He is very clear on the matter: “Most refrigeration equipment is designed and manufactured in Western countries for more temperate climates. Africa needs locally developed designs that consider our climatic zones and meet the need for energy efficiency and pollution reduction. The use of refrigerants must correspond more closely to the thermodynamic characteristics dictated by our temperature.” Madi Sakandé made these remarks at the International Exhibition of Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Refrigeration, and Heating, held from May 20 to May 22 in Casablanca, Morocco. 

His presence at this important event reflects the support of the pan-African organization he leads for one of its members, the Moroccan Association of Refrigeration Professionals (AMPF). It was also an opportunity for Madi Sakandé to engage with the newly elected board of AMPF, which renewed its leadership in February 2025. The association, in collaboration with Smart Expos & Events Morocco and the Moroccan Agency for Energy Efficiency (SEEM), organizes this crucial biennial exhibition, RefrigAir Expo.

RefrigAir Expo: A Central Platform for Technological Innovations

RefrigAir Expo serves as a major networking hub for professionals in the refrigeration industry, featuring an international trade fair dedicated to air conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, and heating. The exhibition supports the evolution of sector regulations and offers training programs to promote industry growth. Additionally, it functions as a top-tier B2B platform, connecting international investors with local stakeholders, contributing to Morocco’s investment framework.

In terms of numbers, RefrigAir Expo attracts 8,000 visitors, hosts 12 conferences, includes 30 panelists, and features more than 200 exhibitors. The event showcases a wide range of products and services, from air conditioning and heating systems to innovative solutions for the aerospace industry. Exhibitors and attendees come from diverse sectors, including industrial suppliers, transportation and logistics, banking, insurance, and construction.