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Latest Update: TechEmerge and Kobo360 to Pilot Game-Changing Sustainable Cooling Innovations in Nigeria
From 70 applications across 19 countries, 11 global innovators have been selected to partner with 15 leading Nigerian companies to pilot cost-effective, climate-smart technologies to strengthen the country’s temperature-controlled logistics supply chain, as part of IFC’s award-winning TechEmerge program in partnership with African digital logistics platform Kobo360.
The pilot participants will have access to a pool of up to $1 million in total grant funding to support field-testing in Nigeria over the next 12-18 months. The TechEmerge Sustainable Cooling Innovation Program is funded by the UK Government's International Climate Finance and also provides advisory support throughout field testing to help innovators mitigate financial and operational risks, reduce adoption risks for local firms, and facilitate market entry and tech transfer.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
TechEmerge is on a mission to demonstrate that state-of-the-art technologies and new business models can make temperature-controlled logistics efficient, affordable, and sustainable in Nigeria.
In collaboration with Kobo360—an e-logistics platform operating across Africa that connects truckers to customers—TechEmerge will match innovators across the world with leading companies in Nigeria to pilot sustainable cooling solutions that reduce losses in supply chains, strengthen access to TCL-dependent products and markets, and build commercial partnerships.
Why TCL? TCL is crucial for both producers and consumers to participate in the $10+ billion global market for perishable products. Currently, Nigeria accounts for a very small slice of that market, but it offers long-term opportunities for those who enter at this nascent stage. Download our flyer.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are seeking innovations, including homegrown Nigerian solutions, that are clean, sustainable, resource-efficient, and scalable. These innovations must be applicable for leading local companies, including transport/logistics companies, truck owners, insulated container & refrigeration unit providers, and TCL buyers.
*Click here for detailed information on types of technologies, sectors, and specifications.
TechEmerge innovators are selected through a competitive process. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for matchmaking with local adopters to pilot their technology, product, or service and commercialize it in Nigeria, and Africa more broadly.
WHY APPLY?
- Access a nascent African TCL market of potential users/buyers of cooling technology, products, and services.
- Work with leading adopters operating cold chains across different sectors, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food distribution.
- Access a pool of up to USD 1 million in funding to support pilot projects.
- Technical assistance from the TechEmerge team and our global network of advisors to develop pilot implementation and market entry strategies.
- Potential IFC investment for successful innovators with scalable solutions.
WHAT'S THE CRITERIA?
- Priority will go to proven products installed in at least one commercial setting, but innovations at the product development stage will also be considered.
- Innovators must be privately-owned companies, typically with less than 50 employees and less than US$100M in venture capital funding (with some exceptions).
- Innovations must respond to the cooling needs and challenges of Nigerian adopters.
- Clean, sustainable, resource-efficient solutions demonstrating value for money and scalable potential in the Nigerian market.
- Ability to allocate time and resources to participate in the project, including virtual meetings and events, and implementation of field testing/pilot projects on the ground in Nigeria.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
- Assess: We identify challenges and gaps in Nigeria’s TCL market, talking in person with adopters to ensure we understand which technologies would best meet their needs.
- Source: We launch an open call for innovators from around the world who have market-relevant solutions to apply to join the program.
- Select: With the support of a network of expert advisors, we select high-performing innovators with proven technologies that can meet the needs of participating adopters.
- Match: Through a carefully curated process, we arrange events and meetings for the shortlisted innovators to meet local organizations, demo their products, and discuss working together in pilot projects.
- Pilot: With our support, selected innovators and participating organizations partner to test technologies in a local setting.
- Commercialize: If the pilot is successful, the local organization and innovator may decide to enter into a commercial contract.
Market Context
Cooling is vital for human health, productivity, and economic growth, and demand is rapidly increasing worldwide. However, left unchecked, greenhouse gases from cooling could be responsible for as much as one degree Celsius of warming by the end of the century. Click here to find out more about how TechEmerge is supporting sustainable innovations to cool a warming world.
Nigerian Market
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Agriculture accounts for roughly 20 percent of GDP and 50 percent of jobs.
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Nigeria’s food and beverage industry is valued at $100+ billion, with strong medium- to long-term prospects given its growing population, urbanization, and emerging middle class.
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In 2017, the TCL market in Nigeria was valued at $63 million, driven by fish and seafood (56%), fruits and vegetables (17%), meat (12%), pharmaceuticals (11%), and dairy (4%).
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The TCL market for processed foods and beverages is currently small but has significant potential for growth.
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A growing population, particularly of young urban consumers with increasing levels of disposable income, is expected to fuel demand for TCL for perishable products. Growing incomes are linked to greater consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat products, all of which need cold chains that encompasses processing, packaging, transport, and storage.
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Nigeria, like many other developing economies, is a very cost sensitive market. It needs very innovative, cost effective, economical TCL solutions capable of kick-starting adoption even for low-value commodities such as vegetables.
Adopters
Our adopters are leading transport/logistics companies, truck owners, buyers of transport/logistics services, and service providers offering insulated container and refrigeration units.
Pilots
