Pan-African startup Koolboks designs and distributes solar-powered refrigerators and freezers for off-grid and weak-grid communities across Africa, and has deployed over 10,000 units across Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda since 2021.
Founded in 2018 by Ayoola Dominic and Deborah Gael, Koolboks initially developed a portable solar-powered cooler with an integrated sound system for the European leisure market. However, drawing on Dominic’s upbringing in Nigeria, and firsthand exposure to energy poverty, the founders identified a more urgent need.
Millions of people across Africa lacked reliable refrigeration, leading to food spoilage, medical waste, and lost income. Koolboks subsequently pivoted to focus on solar-powered refrigerators and freezers for off-grid communities.
“Our units operate entirely on solar energy using integrated lithium-ion batteries, providing reliable 24/7 refrigeration even at night or during periods of low sunlight. The batteries also function as power hubs, enabling users to charge phones or power LED lighting,” Dominic told TechDesk Africa. “Precise temperature control made possible by lithium batteries is critical for preserving vaccines, fish, poultry, and other perishable goods.”
Koolboks primarily serves small businesses and healthcare facilities that lack reliable electricity – helping them reduce spoilage, cut energy costs, and increase income.
“To address affordability, we offer PAYG financing. Customers make a small upfront payment and repay weekly or monthly via mobile money. Each unit is IoT-enabled and can be remotely managed, allowing customers to access refrigeration without collateral or formal credit history. After 12–24 months, customers own the unit outright,” Dominic said.
Since 2021, Koolboks has deployed over 10,000 units across Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. Nigeria remains the largest market, particularly among frozen food vendors and small businesses without reliable electricity.
“We’re planning to expand into Mozambique and Ghana in the next 12-18 months,” Dominic said.
The startup has three main revenue streams – hardware sales, interest on PAYG financing, and its Koolbuy platform.
“We recently launched a BNPL platform where we finance other brands’ appliances – Samsung, Panasonic, etcetera – using our payment infrastructure. We earn commissions on these third-party sales. We also run Scrap4New, where customers trade in old fridges for discounts. We refurbish or recycle them, creating a secondary revenue stream,” Dominic said.
Koolboks is funded through a mix of equity, debt, and grants. Last September, it closed an US$11 million Series A round, bringing total funding to approximately US$15.4 million.
