Rwanda’s MPs visit ACES
Highlighting the role of clean cooling in achieving Rwanda's green growth and climate resilience targets
On Wednesday, 18 February 2026, a delegation led by honorable Kanyandekwe Christine and honorable Niyorurema Jean René from the Parliamentary Committee on Land, Agriculture, Livestock and Environment visited the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain (ACES). The visit was part of parliamentary oversight of projects aligned with Rwanda’s National Environment Policy.
Accompanied by officials from Kicukiro district and district partners involved in environmental projects, the Members of Parliament’s visit underscored the growing recognition of sustainable cooling and cold-chain as a vital component of climate resilience, food security, and healthcare. ACES was selected as a result of its efforts to promote clean cooling solutions that directly support Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and green growth objectives.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Toby Peters, Executive Director of ACES, described cooling as an important infrastructure, like roads or energy systems. He explained that without reliable refrigeration and cold-chain networks, farmers struggle to access profitable markets, vaccines spoil, and food systems remain vulnerable.
“What we are building here is the first campus of its kind anywhere in the world,” he said, noting that ACES integrates technical training, sustainable energy systems, business models and regulatory frameworks into a unified platform. “Cooling has two sides: how we deliver it in a way that economically empowers farmers and creates decent jobs for young people, and how we do so sustainably, without increasing environmental harm. We must achieve both.
Prof. Toby outlined the Centre’s target beneficiaries, including refrigeration technicians, engineers, health supply-chain specialists, policymakers and entrepreneurs. Through specialised training programmes, ACES equips these professionals with the skills needed to design, install and maintain energy-efficient cooling systems while ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
He emphasised that achieving national priorities, from reducing malnutrition and stunting to strengthening agro-processing and local manufacturing, depends on a skilled workforce capable of maintaining refrigeration equipment, enforcing regulations, and supporting innovation in the sector. “Regulations alone are not enough,” he noted. “You need inspectors, technicians and suppliers with the right skills across the entire system.”
During the visit, the Members of Parliament toured ACES’ Rubirizi Campus, where they observed cutting-edge technologies, including facilities and training infrastructures. The delegation was briefed on the Centre’s accreditation ambitions, including the development of postgraduate programmes in clean cooling.
Members of Parliament commended ACES for its substantial resources investment in Rwanda's economic development. They urged ACES to maintain momentum by training more local businesses and community partners to ensure cooling and cold-chain infrastructure remains accessible, equitable, and inclusive.
As Rwanda advances its climate resilience and green growth agenda, the visit reaffirmed the role of sustainable cooling and cold-chain infrastructure, not just as technological innovations but as essential foundations for building a resilient and greener economy.