Two refrigeration technicians from the SophiA network, Elie Ouedraogo (Burkina Faso) and Alinafe Shumbah (Malawi), travelled to Nuremberg, Germany in the frame of SophiA Bridge project. Invited by Prof. Dr. Michael Kauffeld they attended Chillventa, the world’s leading trade fair for refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and heat pumps. They share what they saw, who they met, and what they plan to bring back home.
Chillventa brings together manufacturers, engineers and installers from across the globe to showcase the latest innovations in refrigeration and HVAC. For technicians working on the ground in Africa, it is a rare chance to see emerging technologies up close, test new tools and build direct links with suppliers. Here are their impressions in their own words.
Elie Ouedraogo, HVAC&R technician, Burkina Faso
“My first day at Chillventa was particularly interesting because it combined technical discovery with valuable international networking.
I was impressed by the strong focus on natural refrigerants, energy efficiency, refrigeration components, heat exchangers, cold-chain solutions and new technologies. These are particularly relevant to the development of sustainable refrigeration in Burkina Faso and across Africa.
I also had the opportunity to meet and exchange contacts with professionals from several countries working in refrigeration equipment, cold rooms, heat exchangers, components, international sales and engineering, including representatives of Rivacold, Güntner, Long Term, Intercold, FIC, VRL, Hongseng and other international suppliers.
What attracted me most was not only the technology itself, but the possibility of turning these meetings into technical cooperation, training, equipment sourcing and business partnerships for SMEM and APFC Burkina Faso.
As an African HVAC&R professional, I see Chillventa not simply as an exhibition, but as an opportunity to connect international refrigeration technology with the real needs of African markets.”
Discussing R290 natural refrigerant solutions at the Rivacold stand.
Alinafe Shumbah, refrigeration technician, Malawi
“My visit to Chillventa was an eye-opening experience, combining the discovery of new technologies with hands-on learning and exchanges with professionals from around the world.
I was particularly struck by the focus on energy efficiency, with innovative solutions designed to reduce energy consumption and improve system performance. I also noticed a growing interest in natural refrigerants and sustainable cooling technologies, supported by new tools such as vacuum pumps specifically designed for natural refrigerants.
Several innovations caught my attention: advanced all-in-one units for cooling and heating developed in Korea, new compressors, heat exchangers and system designs aimed at greater reliability and efficiency, as well as refrigeration controls such as thermostatic expansion valves, pressure switches and solenoid valves. I also discovered the latest professional tools, including manifold gauges, vacuum pumps and refrigerant recovery machines.
Beyond the exhibition stands, I enjoyed the practical side of the fair: taking part in the VRL quiz and watching technicians assemble and repair refrigeration systems during the Chillventa Craft Skills competition. It was inspiring to see the level of skill and precision involved.
In short, Chillventa was a great opportunity to discover new technologies and exchange ideas with many companies and organisations. These connections will help me create new opportunities in Malawi and grow Shumbah Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Works.”
From left: Elie Ouedraogo, Alinafe Shumbah and Stephen Gill, founder of World Refrigeration Day.
A close look at the latest outdoor refrigeration units.
A word from Prof. Dr. Michael Kauffeld, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences
“Sustainable cooling in Africa will be built by African technicians. Bringing Elie and Alinafe to Chillventa was a way to put them directly in contact with the technologies, tools and people shaping our sector, and their enthusiasm shows how much talent is ready to drive this transition. I hope these first contacts will grow into lasting partnerships, training opportunities and new business back home.”
From the trade fair floor to African markets
Both testimonies point in the same direction: natural refrigerants, energy efficiency and reliable components are where the sector is heading, and African technicians are ready to be part of that transition. By connecting skilled local professionals with international innovation, SophiA continues to build the human capacity needed for sustainable cooling across the continent.
“At the heart of SophiA Bridge are capacity building and the development of living labs where African technicians can gain hands-on experience with integrated sustainable technologies for solar energy, cooling, clean water and cooking. Bringing Elie and Alinafe to Chillventa is part of this approach, connecting local expertise with international innovation and opening doors to new partnerships, training and business opportunities. Our ambition is to empower African technicians to operate, maintain and further develop these solutions, turning the SophiA living labs into lasting hubs for innovation, knowledge transfer and sustainable development,” says Mihaela Dudita-Kauffeld, SophiA Bridge Coordinator at OST.
Coordinated by the OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences and supported by Fourfold, SophiA Bridge builds on the achievements of the EU-funded SophiA project to strengthen local technical capacity, ensure the long-term operation of its living labs and foster sustainable, locally driven solutions for healthcare facilities across Africa.
SophiA team meeting at Chillventa
More about Chillventa: https://www.chillventa.de/en
