In Nigeria, specifically Enugu, local entrepreneurs have launched a solar-powered cold storage facility to combat post-harvest losses in the agricultural sector. This initiative, commended by the U.S. Consulate on Tuesday, aims to address the significant issue of annual losses, approximately $9 billion, resulting from inadequate cold storage infrastructure. By implementing sustainable solar-powered facilities, such as the one recently inaugurated, the preservation of agricultural produce is enhanced, benefiting all stakeholders involved in the value chain.
On Friday, April 26, 2024, Consul General Will Stevens of the U.S. Consulate in Lagos praised the inauguration of Manamuz Electric’s Aguobu Iwollo Refrigerated Aggregation Centre in Enugu State, Nigeria. This significant milestone in combating post-harvest losses in the country’s agricultural sector was spearheaded by Mandela Washington Fellow, Uzo Mbamalu.
During his virtual address, Stevens emphasized the crucial role played by Uzo Mbamalu, one of the 12,000 Nigerians who participated in U.S. government exchange programs. Mbamalu’s six-week exchange at the University of Nevada-Reno provided valuable insights and connections that ultimately led to the realization of this initiative. The University’s College of Business offered technical and business advisory support, while a grant from the U.S. Africa Development Foundation further propelled the project forward.
Consul General Stevens expressed gratitude to the project’s diverse stakeholders, including the Enugu State Marketing Company, Enugu State Polytechnic Iwollo, and smallholder farmers, whose contributions have been vital to the project’s success.
