Keep IT Cool Secures Acumen Investment to Scale Sustainable Refrigeration Across Africa

Kenyan startup Keep IT Cool, renowned for its innovative refrigeration solutions, has secured funding from global impact investor Acumen to drive its pan-African expansion. The funding represents a significant boost to the company’s mission of transforming food preservation and empowering marginalised communities across Africa.

Empowering Farmers and Fisherfolk

Founded in 2021 by Francis Nderitu and Abigail Gachigi, Keep IT Cool integrates technology with sustainable practices to address inefficiencies in food supply chains. Through its app Markiti, the company connects farmers and fisherfolk directly to a network of shops, restaurants, and outlets, enabling real-time demand forecasting and reducing post-harvest losses.

Our collaboration with Acumen centres on our mutual commitment to uplifting underserved African communities,” said Nderitu, co-founder and managing director. “We strive to empower these communities by boosting their productivity, improving market access, and minimising waste, ultimately helping to increase their incomes.”

The impact has been remarkable. The company has increased the incomes of 3,600 fisherfolk by more than 15% and built a network that includes 40 supermarkets and over 2,000 small businesses.

Already operating in Kenya and Tanzania, Keep IT Cool is preparing for further expansion. The company is developing a solar-powered cold chain facility that will multiply its storage capacity sevenfold, enabling it to diversify into fruits and vegetables while reaching over 100,000 farmers and fisherfolk.

Acumen’s investment is part of its Forcibly Displaced People (FDP) Lens Investing programme, which supports enterprises that drive sustainable livelihoods in displacement-affected communities. This initiative is backed by prominent partners such as the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the IKEA Foundation.

In East Africa, post-harvest losses due to lack of adequate cold storage present a critical barrier to food security and economic growth,” said Chris Maranga, Acumen’s East Africa lead. “Keep IT Cool’s solar-powered cold storage technology not only addresses this issue but does so sustainably, empowering fisherfolks and smallholder poultry farmers in some of Kenya’s most marginalised communities.

A Model for Sustainable Growth

With a focus on reducing waste and improving market access, Keep IT Cool has positioned itself as a key player in Africa’s transition to sustainable food systems. The funding from Acumen will enable the company to expand its operations, scale its impact, and contribute to long-term food security across the continent.

As Nderitu explains, “This partnership marks an important milestone in our journey to revolutionise the food value chain in Africa. By integrating technology and sustainable practices, we’re not just preserving food; we’re preserving livelihoods.”

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