As parts of measures to address Nigeria’s rising energy poverty and worsening climate crisis, energy technology firm, KoolBox has introduced a new platform, KoolBuy, designed to expand access to solar-powered refrigeration across the country.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns about food and medical waste, much of which is attributed to the country’s limited cold storage infrastructure and unreliable electricity supply. KoolBuy offers households and small businesses the opportunity to acquire solar-powered refrigerators through flexible financing, including installment payment options and a buyback scheme for old or inefficient units.

The launch, which took place in Lagos, highlighted the potential for such innovations to mitigate energy access challenges that affect small businesses, frozen food vendors, and rural households.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ayoola Dominic, said the platform is a response to the significant losses in food supply chains caused by inadequate cooling infrastructure. According to him, Sub-Saharan Africa loses over 40 per cent of its food due to lack of refrigeration, while cold storage access remains at just 17 per cent, compared to over 90 per cent in developed nations.

Dominic said, “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.”

Beyond food preservation, the platform also targeted the reduction of climate-damaging emissions associated with outdated cooling technologies. KoolBox said its systems eliminate the need for fossil fuel-powered generators and use environmentally friendly refrigerants, replacing those considered thousands of times more harmful than current European standards.

At the core of the offering is a solar energy system known as the PowerFoot Pedestal, a plug-and-play solution equipped with lithium batteries and rooftop solar panels. The unit is designed to operate refrigerators continuously, even during periods of low sunlight or prolonged power outages, making it suitable for off-grid and underserved areas.

KoolBox’s Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Deborah Gael, underscored the economic implications, noting that energy costs often erode the earnings of small-scale traders.

Gael noted, “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.”

While the company offers products from brands such as Thermocool and Scanfrost, its broader focus is on enabling inclusive access to clean technology. Customers can choose from daily, weekly, or monthly payment plans, a model designed to reduce the upfront cost barrier to renewable energy adoption.