Orange, a multi-service operator, has entered into a strategic partnership with the innovative startup Koolboks to bring freezing and refrigeration solutions to 12 African countries. This initiative aligns with Orange’s Energies program, established five years ago to provide energy access through digital solutions. The collaboration between Orange and Koolboks seeks to address the critical issue of energy access in a continent where 600 million Africans lack electricity.
Koolboks offers a solution that combines refrigeration and solar technology, catering to both professionals and individuals. The solar-powered refrigerators and freezers come equipped with solar panels and batteries, providing up to three days of autonomy. Furthermore, these systems include LED bulbs and USB ports for charging electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets. This innovation extends beyond refrigeration, offering lighting and the potential to generate additional income by enabling small businesses to thrive.
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Extending Solar Refrigeration Access
The introduction of Koolboks‘ solar refrigeration solutions began in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and soon, these innovations will reach the other 11 countries where Orange Energies operates. Orange Energies utilises its digital platform, Orange Smart Energies, to enable households without traditional grid access to acquire solar-energy solutions through a pay-as-you-go model. This approach allows families to leverage Orange Money on their mobile phones to access and own solar installations and the associated equipment, promoting energy access, food preservation, and small business development.
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Pioneering Income-Generating Activities Through Clean Electrification
Through this landmark partnership, Orange becomes the first telecommunications operator to enter into an agreement of this magnitude, with a focus on advancing income-generating activities in rural areas via clean electrification solutions. These initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
Nat-Sy Missamou, Senior Vice President Africa and Middle East at Orange Energies, shared, “This partnership marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration,” emphasising Orange’s ongoing commitment to enhancing energy access.
Ayoola Dominic, founder and CEO of Koolboks, expressed pride in partnering with Orange, highlighting the mission to meet crucial needs, particularly in off-grid areas.
Regional Expansion of Orange Energies
Orange Energies, which operates in 12 countries, including Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, plans to expand its activities to two new countries by 2024. This expansion is poised to bring about transformative change and contribute to the development of local communities.
The partnership between Orange and Koolboks reflects positive advancements in Africa’s energy landscape, with the potential to catalyse change in the lives of millions. This collaborative effort focuses on overcoming challenges associated with energy access and refrigeration, which impact everything from food preservation to small-scale entrepreneurship.
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Addressing the Root of Energy Poverty
Orange’s dedication to providing accessible energy services not only offers a practical solution for energy poverty but also aligns with the broader global agenda of sustainable development. The combination of technological innovation and socio-economic impact in this partnership showcases a promising path toward addressing the core issues of energy poverty in Africa.
The Orange-Koolboks partnership stands as a beacon of innovation and social impact, with the potential to make a substantial difference in the lives of those previously underserved in energy and refrigeration access. The collaboration is a testament to the power of forward-thinking solutions to tackle critical challenges and contribute to a brighter future for Africa. Orange’s expansion of its Orange Energies program across the continent is a sign of the company’s commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact.