As part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s energy poverty and climate crisis, energy technology company KoolBox has unveiled KoolBuy, a new platform aimed at expanding access to solar-powered refrigeration for households and small businesses nationwide.
The initiative comes amid persistent challenges related to cold storage infrastructure and unreliable electricity, which have led to significant food and medical waste across the country.
Launched recently in Lagos, KoolBuy is designed to democratise clean cooling access through flexible financing options, including installment payment plans and a buyback scheme for outdated or inefficient refrigerators.
Speaking at the launch, KoolBox CEO Ayoola Dominic said the platform responds directly to the growing food losses within the country’s supply chains, largely due to a lack of reliable cooling.
“This is not just about convenience, it’s about survival. Lack of cooling destroys medicine, accelerates food spoilage, and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions,” Dominic said.
He cited regional statistics showing that over 40% of food in Sub-Saharan Africa is lost due to poor refrigeration, with cold storage penetration in the region at only 17%, compared to over 90% in advanced economies.
KoolBuy’s flagship technology is the PowerFoot Pedestal, a plug-and-play solar system equipped with lithium batteries and rooftop solar panels. The unit can power refrigerators consistently—even during low sunlight conditions or extended blackouts—making it ideal for off-grid communities and underserved areas.
Beyond food preservation, KoolBox aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from outdated cooling technologies. The company said its systems are free of fossil fuel-powered generators and use eco-friendly refrigerants that meet and exceed current European environmental standards.
Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Deborah Gael emphasized the economic benefits for small business owners, particularly in Nigeria’s informal sector.
“Imagine running a frozen food business without spending a naira on petrol. We are providing Nigerians with a pathway to reliable cooling that doesn’t depend on fuel or unstable electricity,” she said.
KoolBuy offers customers a wide selection of solar-compatible refrigerators from leading brands such as Thermocool and Scanfrost. Importantly, the platform allows users to choose from daily, weekly, or monthly payment options, significantly lowering the upfront financial barriers to adopting renewable energy solutions.
The initiative is expected to benefit frozen food vendors, pharmaceutical outlets, and rural households, sectors often hardest hit by Nigeria’s energy supply issues.
KoolBox’s focus on inclusive access reflects a broader push within Nigeria’s clean energy ecosystem to develop decentralised, off-grid energy solutions that cater to the realities of small businesses and vulnerable communities.
Industry observers have welcomed the innovation, noting that such climate-smart technologies are essential for improving livelihoods, reducing waste, and achieving Nigeria’s sustainable development and climate resilience goals.
