Why should a woman lose her business just because there’s no light to power her freezer?

This simple question sparked a fire at Koolboks, a fire that has since grown into a movement. From the bustling streets of Ijora to the vibrant markets of Ibadan, and from Abidjan to Kampala, Koolboks has been relentlessly building Africa’s most inclusive and climate-smart cold chain, one solar-powered freezer at a time. But this journey is about far more than just refrigeration, it’s about unlocking access: access to income, dignity, and hope for countless entrepreneurs across the continent.

As we reflect on our major milestones this May, we invite you to explore how Koolboks is transforming lives, driving innovation, and powering a future where cold storage is a catalyst for opportunity, not a barrier.

The Spark That Started It All: Power for Women Entrepreneurs

We started with a simple, yet profound question: Why should a woman lose her business just because there’s no light to power her freezer?

This question sparked a fire within us. From bustling markets in Ijora, Lagos, to vibrant communities in Ibadan, Abidjan, and Kampala, Koolboks has built Africa’s most inclusive and climate-smart cold chain, one solar-powered Koolboks at a time.

This isn’t just refrigeration; it’s access: access to income, dignity, and hope.

We were honored to speak about this journey at the Qatar Economic Forum, powered by Bloomberg News and Bloomberg Live. This forum gathers thought leaders to discuss innovation and global challenges, and we brought Africa’s cold chain innovation to the world stage.

Thank you, Team Koolboks, for driving this vision forward every day..

From Lagos to the World: Meeting with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Earlier this month, thanks to the incredible support of Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, founder of Aruwa Capital, Koolboks had a landmark meeting with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. But this was no ordinary meeting. It wasn’t about refrigeration alone, it was about opportunity and the future of work in Africa.

Our CEO, Ayoola Dominic, shared how Koolboks isn’t just powering freezers; we’re powering jobs, economic resilience, and green growth across Lagos and beyond.

In partnership discussions with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and local stakeholders, we are unlocking new green job opportunities in solar energy, logistics, and after-sales service. This collaboration is more than business, it’s about creating pathways to prosperity for youth and women entrepreneurs across Nigeria.

Real Conversations, Real Commitment: The Global Climate Finance Forum in Jamaica

What happens when you bring together investors, policymakers, and small business owners, not for speeches, but for real conversations?

You get more than insight. You get clarity, candor, and commitment.

At the recent Global Climate Finance Forum, Koolboks was proud to bring the voice of local African innovators to a room full of decision-makers focused on unlocking capital for sustainable solutions.

In a world full of “plenty talk,” as Jamaicans say: “Action, not a bag a mout’!” The forum broke silos and built real pathways for SMEs across the Global South, especially those innovating where energy meets livelihood.

This is where Koolboks thrives: making refrigeration affordable, accessible, and powering small businesses with clean, reliable energy.

Bloomberg Names Koolboks One of Africa’s Top 25 Startups to Watch in 2025

In May, we received thrilling news: Koolboks was named one of Bloomberg News’s Top 25 African Startups to Watch in 2025.

This recognition is more than a badge of honor. It underscores our deep commitment to delivering sustainable cooling solutions to communities that need them most. Our solar-powered refrigerators aren’t just appliances; they are engines of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social empowerment.

We thank Bloomberg and everyone who believes in our mission. Together, we are making a difference, one freezer, one entrepreneur, one community at a time.

No Power? No Problem. Introducing KoolBuy: Empowering Women with Solar-Powered Business Kits

At Koolboks, we don’t just sell freezers, we launch hope.

We brought together the sun, the freezer, and a POS machine, and handed them to women who want to provide for their families but face the daily challenge of no reliable electricity.

Our KoolBuy program lets any woman walk into a Koolboks store with just 10% down and walk out with a complete business package: a freezer or solar freezer from trusted brands like Thermocool, Nexus, Scanfrost, LG, or Bruhm, a POS machine, and a business to run, all powered by the sun.

No NEPA power? No excuses. Just sunlight and grit.

This program has the backing of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), All On, natnudO Foods, and Manufacturing Africa, and even attracted the heartfelt support of Nigerian actress and entrepreneur Mercy Johnson.

Mercy came not as a celebrity, but as a mother and believer in what Koolboks represents. Her presence at our launch event, alongside voices like Layi Wasabi, brought the room to life, shaking up the narrative and energizing the movement.

But what happened next? That’s a story for another day.

For now, just know this: cold is no longer the enemy, poverty is. And Koolboks is fighting back. One KoolBuy at a time.

Behind every freezer and business empowered is a dedicated team passionate about climate tech and social impact.

Thank you to our incredible team members for making Koolboks a reality every single day.

What’s Next for Koolboks?

May was a landmark month, but this is only the beginning.

We will continue to expand our reach across Africa, bringing solar-powered refrigeration to remote communities, empowering women entrepreneurs, and forging partnerships that create green jobs and sustainable livelihoods.

Our vision is bold: to end refrigeration poverty across Africa and build a future where clean energy powers prosperity.

If you want to be part of this journey, whether as a partner, investor, or customer, reach out and join us in powering lives and building Africa’s cold chain future.

Final Word: Koolboks Milestones, More Than Cold, It’s About Hope and Opportunity

From global stages to local markets, Koolboks’ milestones this May tell a story of innovation, empowerment, and resilience. We are proud of what we’ve achieved and excited about what lies ahead.

Remember, refrigeration is not just about keeping things cold; it’s about keeping dreams alive. And with every freezer powered by the sun, we are one step closer to a future where no woman loses her business to darkness.

Because at Koolboks, life is truly Kool.