Strengthening supply chains across Africa

Vaccines are shipped great distances to save lives. But getting vital doses to people around the world is a delicate process.

Vaccines “need to stay within strict temperature conditions,” says Ben Hubbard, chief executive officer of Parsyl Incorporated. Otherwise, vaccine doses may spoil, fail to prevent disease and thereby erode public confidence in the vaccine.

Parsyl tracks vaccine transport in African nations “from production through to the last mile” using a network of more than 80,000 temperature sensors, Hubbard says. The effort began with a partnership with Senegal’s Ministry of Health and Social Action, and the company now works in a half dozen African nations including Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Parsyl’s real-time temperature monitoring identifies weaknesses in cold-chain vaccine delivery systems. And monitoring data informs targeted investments that strengthen  vaccine supply chains.

One delivery driver says Parsyl technology lets him know when to protect his cargo. “If we see that the temperature is too high or too low, we stop and either try to replace them or fix a problem with the fridge,” he said.

Based in Denver, Parsyl is one of two U.S. companies that October 30 received the State Department’s 2023 Award for Corporate Excellence in the sustainable supply chains category. The award recognizes U.S. companies that uphold high standards in the communities where they operate and demonstrate that sustainability can support the economy.

While Parsyl improves Africa’s access to vital medical supplies, Ampersand USA Incorporated’s production of electric motorbike parts and batteries is making transportation in Rwanda and Kenya cleaner and more affordable. The company operates out of Kigali and provides electricity and vehicles to power thousands of electric motorcycle taxis across east Africa.

More than half of vehicles on Rwanda’s roads are motorbike taxis. While conventional motor taxis bring high emissions and fuel costs, Ampersand chief executive officer Josh Whale told ShareAmerica that electric versions save drivers 35% on their annual fuel and oil change costs. “This translates into doubling the income for many people,” he said.

Thacien Rukundo, Ampersand’s first customer in Rwanda, says increasing electric motor taxis in Africa reduces pollution and creates opportunities for workers. “My family is thriving,” he said. “I attribute the success to being part of the Ampersand community.”

This story was written by freelance writer Grace Hayward.