KoolBoks emphasized that its new offering provides flexible, pay-as-you-go financing options for solar refrigerators. This allows customers to either upgrade their existing electric freezers to solar models, convert current units using convenient plug-and-play kits, or purchase entirely new solar-powered units with an initial deposit as low as 10%.
Addressing Critical Gaps in Cooling Access
Speaking at the Lagos launch event, hosted by popular skit maker and comedian Layi Wasabi, KoolBoks CEO Ayoola Dominic underscored the urgency of the new platform. "This is not just about convenience; it's about survival," Dominic stated. He highlighted the significant damage caused to both medicine and food supplies due to inadequate cooling, which also contributes substantially to greenhouse gas emissions. "By solving the cooling problem, we are directly fighting climate change," he added.
Dominic presented compelling data to illustrate the scale of the problem. Over 40% of food in Sub-Saharan Africa is lost due to a lack of refrigeration, while access to cold storage stands at a meager 17%, starkly contrasting with over 90% in developed countries. He also drew attention to Nigeria's challenges in medical waste management, citing figures that indicate the country generates between 13 and 632.5 grams of medical waste per person daily.
"KoolBuy is making clean cooling accessible," Dominic declared. "Cooling used to be a luxury. Today, it’s a right, and KoolBuy is making that a reality."
Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Solutions
Deborah Gael, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of KoolBoks, highlighted a key benefit of the innovation: it eliminates the reliance on expensive petrol or erratic grid electricity. "Imagine running your frozen food business without spending a naira on petrol. That’s the freedom we’re offering," Gael enthused. "We’re giving Nigerians access to modern refrigeration without the burdens of fuel or unreliable electricity."
A notable feature of the KoolBuy platform is the PowerFoot Pedestal, a plug-and-play solar energy system capable of transforming any existing freezer into a solar-powered appliance. This system includes rooftop panels and lithium batteries that ensure 24/7 cooling, even during periods of cloudy weather or power outages.
KoolBoks has partnered with renowned appliance brands like Thermocool and Scanfrost to offer these solutions, with daily, weekly, and monthly payment plans specifically tailored for small businesses, frozen food vendors, and rural households.
Mr. Chigozie Ezenwanne, a KoolBuy dealer, lauded the platform as a "game-changer" for grassroots businesses. "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," Ezenwanne explained. He also called upon the government to consider adopting similar financing models to address the broader issue of energy poverty.
"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, emphasizing the potential for widespread impact with government backing.
In a call to action, KoolBoks urged the Federal Government to facilitate duty-free imports of solar products, enforce stringent quality standards, and invest in public awareness campaigns about the benefits 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." The launch of KoolBuy marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and equitable future for Nigeria, addressing critical needs in food preservation, public health, and environmental protection.