Gulu, Arua, and Iganga, Uganda
Give to Africa Foundation, in partnership with clean-energy refrigeration innovator Koolboks, today announced the launch of a groundbreaking two-month program empowering 150 women across Gulu, Arua, and Iganga districts to start and scale frozen food businesses using solar-powered technology.
The initiative will provide women in Uganda’s informal economy with the tools, skills, and financing needed to enter high-demand frozen foods markets—an opportunity historically limited by lack of access to reliable electricity and cold-chain storage.
At the core of the program is the distribution of 50 Koolboks solar-powered freezers, each supported by a complete solar setup and offered through a monthly Lease-to-Own model. The initiative blends clean energy adoption, financial inclusion, and gender empowerment, aligning with Uganda’s priorities for inclusive economic growth and sustainable energy access.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Women’s Economic Participation
Women across Uganda play a critical role in food vending, retail, and local trade. However, many lack access to affordable and reliable refrigeration, leading to high spoilage rates, reduced income, and restricted market participation.
“This partnership is about unlocking economic freedom and dignity for women who keep Uganda’s food systems running,” said Victoria Philips, President/CEO Give to Africa. “By bringing in first-time women entrepreneurs, widows, and rural women, we’re making sure the opportunity reaches those who need it most. The skills, tools, and financing we’re providing will spark business growth that can transform entire households.”
Koolboks’ solar-powered freezers will allow participants to safely store fish, poultry, dairy, juice, and ice products—reducing waste while expanding business opportunities.
Program Objectives
The Give to Africa–Koolboks partnership aims to:
- Train and equip 150 women to launch or grow frozen food businesses using solar-powered refrigeration.
- Deploy 50 freezers under subsidized Lease-to-Own financing to increase affordability and long-term asset ownership.
- Advance women’s participation in Uganda’s green economy through access to clean, renewable energy technologies.
- Increase community awareness of renewable energy and women-led entrepreneurship through targeted radio campaigns, market activations, and on-the-ground mobilization.
A Model for Scalable, Sustainable Impact
“Koolboks is proud to partner with Give to Africa to deliver energy-efficient solutions that create dignity, income, and opportunity,” said Natalie Casey, Chief Business Officer at Koolboks. “This program demonstrates how climate-smart technology can drive economic empowerment at scale.”
The initiative aligns with Uganda’s national priorities for inclusive economic growth, women’s financial inclusion, and expansion of clean energy access.
A Call to Partnerships
Give to Africa and Koolboks are actively seeking partners to join us in expanding this transformative initiative. As we empower 150 first-time women entrepreneurs across Gulu, Arua, and Iganga—many from rural communities and widowed households—we recognize that true, sustainable impact requires collaboration.
We welcome partnerships from corporations, foundations, NGOs, and individuals who are committed to advancing women’s economic empowerment, strengthening local food ecosystems, and driving climate-friendly innovations across Uganda. Your support will enable us to subsidize freezer units for women who could not otherwise afford them and help us raise the remaining funds needed to launch and scale this project.
Together, we can build a pathway for women to generate income, support their families, and uplift their communities, one cold-chain business at a time.
About Give to Africa
Give to Africa’s program Investments empower communities across the African continent by supporting locally led initiatives in economic development, education, and entrepreneurship. We partner with grassroots and global collaborators to deliver sustainable, community-driven solutions that strengthen livelihoods, build opportunity, and create lasting impact.
About Koolboks
Koolboks is a France-founded startup focused on revolutionizing access to affordable, sustainable cooling. Its solar-powered refrigeration solutions provide reliable cold storage for small businesses that depend on cooling for income generation in off-grid and weak-grid areas. Koolboks’ main markets are Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, with distribution outlets in over 29 countries across sub-Saharan Africa.
