CoolRun Malawi

Partners: Hubl Logistics

Country: Malawi

Technology: Sustainable cooling

Stage: Mid

Stage: Round 10

Though agriculture is a key industry in Malawi, the tropical climate lacks a reliable cold supply chain, leading to up to 50% wastage of vital produce. This project aims to develop a micro, affordable, mobile, sustainable refrigeration system comprising a modular box cooled by Phase Change Material (PCM) panels. The crop is pre-cooled at a central location using a solar-powered refrigeration unit that cools the PCM panels. Fruit and vegetable farming and selling in Malawi are activities commonly divided based on gender, men own the land while women farm and sell. The technology is being developed with farming and selling enterprises in Malawi in mind. In doing so, the project seeks to empower women and cut waste dramatically, providing more to sell and reach markets where sellers can generate greater returns, improving their incomes and livelihoods.