SPOKEs
SPecialised Outreach and Knowledge Establishments
Our centres are designed within a “Hub and SPOKE” model.
While the hub is the physical centre, such as the ACES Rubirizi campus, SPOKEs are being developed in strategic locations, with expertise tailored to specific areas to demonstrate how these solutions can be deployed practically across the continent.
What are SPOKEs?
Other key elements of a SPOKE include:
- Farmers – making a financial commitment to a co-operative.
- The co-operative – investigating and developing their own financial models
Register interest for a SPOKE
Complementing these, another key overarching pillar in the wider programme is training future trainers who can then go out and work either developing the model in their own communities or create a career supporting other communities. We also run a variety of underpinning foundation, policymaker and wider training programmes (in-person and online), including technical training for refrigeration engineers as well as health and safety and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) courses.
Interested in the "hub and SPOKE" model? Contact: [email protected]
Essential reading
Empowerment in action: strengthening communities through training in 2025
30th Dec 2025
In 2025 we have significantly expanded our diverse range of training provision to number over 50 offerings developed by subject matter experts and in collaboration with industry. This approach ensures there is a local network of trained professionals ready to provide support.
Picture of the Week: Chris de Bode reflects on 2025
19th Dec 2025
Chris de Bode, Visual Imagery Lead at CCN reflects on 2025 from a visual imagery perspective which has been characterised by meaningful progress and shared achievement.
ACES - A review of 2025
18th Dec 2025
Professor Toby Peters shares his reflections from 2025 on the enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated team of people that has been gathered together in ACES and how, collectively, they have rapidly turned an idea into reality, demonstrating that Rwanda can lead the world in developing innovative, climate-resilient, and inclusive cold-chains.
CCN photographers welcome “special” Panos Pictures collaboration
17th Dec 2025
The CCN media library launched today, providing a curated, open-access library of cold-chain-related images. Developed in collaboration with the London-based picture agency Panos Pictures, it will serve to bring the work of CCN-trained photographers to the attention of major international media outlets.
