Nairobi: Sub-Saharan Africa’s food supply chains are under mounting pressure as insufficient storage infrastructure leads to massive post-harvest losses, threatening food security across the continent.

According to a World Bank report titled “Transport Connectivity for Food Security in Africa: Strengthening Supply Chains,” current storage capacity in the region can accommodate less than 30 percent of annual food production. This gap contributes to the loss of nearly 40 percent of perishable goods and 20 percent of other food products every year, undermining efforts to meet the continent’s growing food demand.

The African warehousing market is experiencing steady growth, with revenues projected to increase from \$83.1 billion in 2024 to \$131.7 billion by 2030, representing an eight percent compound annual growth rate. Cold storage facilities, which are vital for preserving fresh, frozen, and temperature-sensitive goods, are expected to see the fastest growth. However, industry experts warn that this expansion is not keeping pace with population growth and the rising demand for food, leaving supply chains vulnerable.

In response to the crisis, Nigeria has launched the National Post-Harvest Losses and Storage Technology (NiPHaST) program, a decade-long initiative backed by a \$3.5 billion budget. The program seeks to reduce post-harvest losses through upgraded storage facilities, expanded cold chain technology, and improvements in financing, power supply, and labor availability.

Experts emphasize that while initiatives like Nigeria’s NiPHaST program are positive steps, a coordinated effort across Africa, including sustained investment and policy reforms, is essential to create resilient and efficient food supply chains that can ensure food security for the continent.