Menu

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has partnered with Nigerian digital logistics startup, Kobo360, to launch the TechEmerge Temperature-Controlled Logistics Nigeria programme. The programme is being implemented under IFC's award-winning matchmaking programme that connects tech companies worldwide with leading organisations in emerging markets to tackle critical development challenges.

In a statement sent to Financial Nigeria on Tuesday by Kobo360 and IFC, innovators across the world are invited to participate in a competitive process for matchmaking with leading Nigerian companies to jointly pilot sustainable solutions that will strengthen access to temperature-controlled logistics (TCL). The programme aims to bring climate-smart, TCL cooling solutions to Nigeria to help the country address food waste challenges, support its health sector, and reduce its energy consumption.

TLC deals with the storage, preservation and transportation of products that are sensitive to atmospheric conditions and need to be maintained at a certain temperature. The TechEmerge Temperature-Controlled Logistics Nigeria programme will reduce losses in cold chains and build commercial partnerships.

The joint statement by Kobo360 and IFC said the programme will deliver perishable goods to shops and shipping ports and keep medicines and vaccines from spoiling as they are transported to clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals.

“Sustainable cooling technologies represent a fast-growing business opportunity with particular importance to emerging markets,” said William Sonneborn, IFC’s Senior Director of Disruptive Technologies and Funds. “We are excited to support cutting-edge entrepreneurs to pilot and scale their temperature-controlled logistics solutions in Nigeria, and Africa more broadly.”

A pool of up to $1 million in funding will be provided to the top innovators that will be matched with leading Nigerian companies, according to the statement. The application process, which opens today, is open until January 31, 2021.

"Africa's cold chain capacity faces a lack of investment in equipment for maintaining a specific temperature range throughout the supply chain,” said Ike Abiakam, Kobo360’s Founding Partner and Head of KoboCare. “Temperature-controlled shipping is constantly evolving and our partnership with the IFC is a key step towards discovering the best innovations that will enable the efficient transport of chilled goods.”

Kobo360 is a digital logistics platform that aggregates end-to-end haulage operations to help cargo owners, truck owners and drivers, and cargo recipients to achieve an efficient supply chain framework.

TechEmerge is part of IFC’s strategy to support entrepreneurship and innovation in emerging markets. The TechEmerge Sustainable Cooling programme for Nigeria is being implemented by IFC in partnership with the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Kobo360.