The Sustainable Off-grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SoPhiA) workshop was held on November 27, 2024, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Organized by the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), the event gathered stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. Participants included energy engineers, policymakers, international donors, refrigeration specialists, and private sector representatives to discuss sustainable cooling solutions for healthcare facilities and the broader energy sector in West Africa.
The workshop featured presentations of several European Union-sponsored projects aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and promoting environmentally friendly cooling technologies across Africa. Among these initiatives were:
- SoPhiA: A project focusing on providing off-grid solar energy solutions to healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and hospitals in remote and underserved regions of Africa.
- AGRICOOL: A project dedicated to improving agricultural cooling solutions.
- ROCA (Refrigeration Opportunities for Climate Action): A project to reduce the carbon footprint of refrigeration.
- ECOFRIDGES: A project introducing eco-friendly refrigerants, energy-saving techniques, and sustainable practices to enhance the longevity and performance of cooling systems in hospitals and clinics.
One key topic addressed during the workshop was the challenges faced by African refrigeration technicians. This workforce is crucial for maintaining cold chain solutions in both healthcare and agriculture. It was noted that many technicians lack formal training in modern refrigeration technologies and natural refrigerants, which are increasingly used in climate-conscious projects. The workshop underscored the urgent need for capacity building in this sector to ensure proper installation, maintenance, and repair of energy-efficient systems.
Mr. Francis Sempore, Executive Director of ECREEE, stressed "the importance of collaborative efforts among governments, the private sector," as well as "technical and financial partners" including international donors. He emphasized their role "in driving forward Africa’s energy transition" while improving access to affordable and sustainable cooling solutions.
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