Orange, in collaboration with Franco-Nigerian startup Koolboks, is set to introduce solar-powered freezers in 11 African nations. This innovative solution, equipped with solar panels and batteries, provides up to three days of independent operation, offering a game-changing refrigeration option for businesses in various sectors.
Koolboks, backed by a successful $2.5 million seed investment round, aims to advance Sustainable Development Goal 7 by delivering cutting-edge cold storage solutions. These solutions have wide-ranging applications in healthcare, food, hospitality, and pharmaceutical industries, positively impacting businesses across the region.
Koolboks’ solar-powered equipment doesn’t stop at refrigeration—it also features LED lighting and USB connections for swift charging of devices like phones and tablets. The partnership between Orange Group and Koolboks will kick off in the Democratic Republic of the Congo before expanding to the other 11 countries where Orange operates.
Ayoola Dominic, Founder and CEO of Koolboks, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Orange, emphasizing how their solution addresses the critical need for affordable light and food storage in off-grid communities and small enterprises. The partnership now enables them to extend this benefit across multiple nations and regions.
Koolboks prioritizes accessibility, allowing distributors to offer Koolhome freezers with a rent-to-own option. Through Koolboks’ integrated payment technology, individuals and businesses can make manageable monthly or weekly payments to own a solar refrigerator, ensuring that no one is deprived of this essential resource due to cost.
In addition to existing platforms like Aganza, Paygee, and Solaris, payments can now also be facilitated through Orange Money, enhancing convenience and accessibility for businesses looking to adopt this groundbreaking technology.
