Introduction
This week-long Foundation Course in Cold-Chain provides baseline knowledge on cold-chain, refrigeration, post-harvest management, and food and pharma requirements in the supply chain. It intends to help attendees understand key issues in the agrifood and pharma cold-chain systems and who want to be sector literate. It is recommended for policy-makers, NGO and Development officers and those working in the sector.
1 Week Course
In-Person
[email protected]
Athanase Dalson Gace
Programme Dates
Course Fees
Attendance is currently FREE for all course dates.14th July 2025
ACES Rubirizi Campus, Kigali, Rwanda
- Apply by email to [email protected] before 18th June 2025.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview by 2nd July 2025.
Course Description
ACES has developed a foundation course that aims to transfer knowledge of basic concepts in food and pharma cold chains. The aim of this course is to provide participants with a solid and comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts, skills, and knowledge required within the food and pharma cold chains. The foundation course serves as a building block, preparing individuals for more advanced and specialised studies or practical applications. It is delivered by academic and industry partners.
This Foundation in Cold-Chain course is the first step to building capacity in the country, improving existing systems from a bottom-up approach, promoting new businesses, and increasing the sustainability and resilience of supply chains. This training programme combines face-to-face and online delivery modes, delivered by experts in ACES, international specialists in the sector, and industry partners.
We are seeking dedicated participants from diverse sectors, such as community workers, leaders, policymakers, NGOs, and impact investors.
Those with an interest in improving the sustainability of food and pharmaceutical supply chains, and reducing losses, are encouraged to apply. Participants should be committed to applying the knowledge gained to their current roles and responsibilities and must be available to fully engage in the entire course duration and its activities.
Syllabus Outline
- Cold-Chains – what are they?
- Cold-Chains – why are they needed?
- Cold-Chains – environmental impacts and risks
- Cold-Chains and food/pharma – needs assessment
- Post-harvest management: biology of fresh produce
- Post-harvest management: pre-cooling
- Cold-chain and refrigeration techniques and refrigerant choices
- Industry training programmes
- Market connectivity: logistics including transport
- Telemetrics and data logging
- Measuring quality
- Cold chain requirements for the storage and transportation of vaccines
- Regulatory compliance and quality and safety control
- The business model imperative
A site visit to showcase real-world scenarios is included in this course.
Candidate Selection
Essential Criteria
- Applicants should have a good understanding of English and proficiency with the ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English to level B1.
- Capacity to use computer applications, such as Word and Excel.
- Motivation to understand and develop cold-chains that contribute to local and export markets.
- The ability to identify challenges faced by farmers, traders, and other stakeholders in the cold chain and to develop practical solutions is highly valuable and desirable.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working with farmers or rural communities, demonstrating previous connections with cooperatives and extension organisations.
- Experience working with diverse communities from different sectors, including different genders, cultures, ages, classes, ethnicities, and education levels will be appreciated.
How To Apply
Interested applicants must submit a single PDF document containing the following:
- Application letter in English addressed to the Academic Head, ACES
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Confirmation able to commit to the full five days
- A supporting letter from the employer, if appropriate, stating how they believe the course will be beneficial for their company and confirmation you can commit to the full five days
- Short answers to the following questions, no more than 150 words per answer:
- Please describe your interest and background in the food/pharmaceutical/health supply chain.
- What do you aim to achieve by attending this training? How will this course contribute to your community/business/current job?
- Do you have any dietary requirements or mobility restrictions that you want us to be aware of? (This will be treated confidentially to support your attendance.)
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online by the designated deadline to ACES through [email protected], with the subject line:
" Foundation in Cold Chain Course Application – [Your Name]"
Join us in advancing sustainable cooling solutions and embrace our system-approach mindset!!