Dakar, Senegal, 20 September 2025 – In a landmark initiative to strengthen technical capacity and promote gender inclusion in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), through its OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) for Francophone Africa, hosted a Regional Training Workshop for Female RAC Technicians from September 18 to 20, 2025, in Dakar, Senegal. The event was organized in partnership with the Government of Senegal with the support of the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol.
The workshop brought together 26 female technicians from 21 Francophone African countries, marking a significant step toward empowering women in a traditionally male-dominated field. The training was led by five expert instructors from Senegal, Benin, and Burkina Faso, including one female trainer.
Building Skills for Sustainable Cooling
The three-day workshop focused on equipping participants with best practices in RAC maintenance, including the recovery and recycling of HCFCs and the safe handling of hydrocarbon-based refrigerants. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, such as:
- Recent developments in RAC technologies
- Energy efficiency management
- Selection of sustainable cooling technologies
- Technical standards and safety regulations
- The impact of RAC practices on the ozone layer
- Gender-specific challenges faced by women in the industry
Spotlight on the Kigali Amendment and Low-GWP Refrigerants
Day one featured presentations on the ozone layer and RAC sector practices, followed by discussions on the Kigali Amendment and its implications for climate-friendly cooling. Participants explored the thermodynamic and environmental properties of low-GWP refrigerants and safety considerations in professional settings.
Hands-On Learning and Gender Advocacy
On the second day, participants engaged in practical sessions on refrigerant recovery techniques and energy-efficient maintenance of inverter-based air conditioning systems. A dedicated module addressed regulatory frameworks and safety standards, while a powerful presentation highlighted the barriers and opportunities for women in the RAC industry across Africa.
The day concluded with an analysis of energy performance in equipment using R-290 and R-22 refrigerants.
Practical Training: Tools, Techniques, and Confidence
The final day was devoted to hands-on technical training, including:
- Copper pipe cutting and deburring
- Flaring, swaging, and bending techniques
- Capillary brazing methods
These practical exercises not only enhanced technical proficiency but also boosted participants’ confidence in applying their skills in real-world settings.
A Step Forward for Women in Cooling
By the end of the workshop, participants left with enhanced knowledge, technical skills, and a deeper understanding of the link between their work and ozone layer protection. The training empowered them to handle refrigerants safely, minimize leaks, and apply sustainable practices in their daily work. Most importantly, it reinforced their role as pioneers in the RAC sector within their respective countries.