KoolBox, a company specialising in energy technology, has launched an innovative solar-powered cooling system aimed at combating Nigeria’s escalating problem of food spoilage and the increasing threats posed by climate change.
In its official release, KoolBuy explained that it provides solar refrigerators through a flexible financing structure. This includes a pay-as-you-go option that allows individuals and small-scale businesses to either trade in their conventional electric freezers for solar alternatives, retrofit their existing units using simple plug-and-play devices, or purchase brand-new solar fridges with an initial deposit of just 10 per cent.
Ayoola Dominic, the Chief Executive Officer of KoolBox, said the initiative was developed in response to the significant losses in food and medication resulting from the absence of adequate refrigeration systems. The unveiling event featured popular skit maker and comedian Layi Wasabi.
“This is not just about convenience; it’s about survival,” Dominic said during the launch in Lagos. “Lack of cooling destroys medicine, accelerates food waste, and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. By solving the cooling problem, we are directly fighting climate change.”
Dominic referenced research indicating that more than 40 per cent of food in Sub-Saharan Africa perishes due to a lack of cold storage, and that the region’s access to refrigeration stands at only 17 per cent, far below the 90 per cent benchmark found in more developed economies. He also raised concerns about the country’s mishandling of biomedical waste, citing a daily waste output ranging from 13 to 632.5 grams per person, as reported by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute.
“KoolBuy is making clean cooling accessible. Cooling used to be a luxury. Today, it’s a right, and KoolBuy is making that a reality,” he said.
Deborah Gael, the company’s Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, highlighted how their product removes the dependency on petrol and Nigeria’s often unreliable power grid.
“Imagine running your frozen food business without spending a naira on petrol. That’s the freedom we’re offering,” said Gael. “We’re giving Nigerians access to modern refrigeration without the burdens of fuel or unreliable electricity.”
A key highlight of KoolBuy’s innovation is its PowerFoot Pedestal — a modular, plug-and-play solar energy kit that converts standard freezers into solar-powered units. Equipped with rooftop solar panels and lithium batteries, the system ensures round-the-clock cooling, even during cloudy weather or power outages.
The firm announced partnerships with established appliance brands like Thermocool and Scanfrost, offering affordable payment plans on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, particularly catering to small businesses, frozen food vendors, and rural consumers.
KoolBuy distributor, Mr. Chigozie Ezenwanne, lauded the new platform as a transformative solution for grassroots enterprises.
“With KoolBuy, you’re not just buying a freezer; you’re escaping fuel costs, erratic electricity, and food loss. This is economic empowerment for the grassroots,” he stated.
He called on the government to embrace similar pay-as-you-go solar financing models to bridge the energy access gap.
“KoolBuy is already doing what the government struggles to do, bringing energy access to the people. With policy support, this can go national,” Ezenwanne added.
KoolBox also urged the Federal Government to eliminate import duties on solar equipment, enforce product quality regulations, and invest in educating the public on the advantages of clean energy.
“This is about justice, climate justice, food justice, and economic justice,” Dominic concluded. “Everyone deserves access to clean, affordable cooling, not just the privileged few.”
