Kenyan entrepreneur Dysmus Kisilu, founder of Solar Freeze, has been nominated for the 2026 Global Citizen Prize, earning international recognition for supporting smallholder farmers with solar powered cold storage technology.
The announcement by Global Citizen highlights Kisilu role in addressing one of agriculture most persistent challenges in Africa post harvest losses. His company Solar Freeze provides off grid refrigeration units that help farmers preserve perishable produce, extend shelf life and access better markets.
Kisilu is among four global recipients set to be honoured at the Global Citizen NOW summit scheduled for 14 May in New York City. Each awardee will receive a 10000 USD grant and year long support from the organisation.
Across sub Saharan Africa farmers lose a significant portion of their harvest due to inadequate storage and unreliable electricity. In Kenya where agriculture remains a key economic driver such losses directly affect rural livelihoods and national food security.
Kisilu innovation addresses this gap by offering affordable solar powered cold storage units tailored for rural farmers. The systems operate independently of the national grid making them accessible in remote areas where electricity supply remains inconsistent.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization post harvest losses in developing countries can reach up to 40% for perishable goods. Solar Freeze model reduces these losses enabling farmers to store produce longer and sell when market prices are favourable.
By stabilising incomes and reducing waste Kisilu approach aligns with broader efforts to strengthen food systems amid climate change and supply chain disruptions.
Global recognition for local innovation
The Global Citizen Prize recognises young leaders making measurable contributions toward ending extreme poverty. Kisilu joins a group of honourees working across education health food security and clean energy.
Other 2026 recipients include Anoushka Sinha an education advocate from India Krystal Mwesiga Birungi a Ugandan researcher advancing malaria solutions and Tawonga Nyirenda of Malawi who focuses on sustainable agriculture and waste management.
Young people are taking bold action to end extreme poverty in every corner of the world said Liza Henshaw president of Global Citizen. These leaders are committed to advancing solutions in education food security energy and global health.
The awards will be presented during the Global Citizen NOW summit a high level gathering of policymakers business leaders and activists focused on accelerating progress toward global development goals.
Since its launch Solar Freeze has worked with thousands of farmers across Kenya particularly in rural regions where access to cold storage remains limited. The company operates a pay as you store model allowing farmers to rent space in solar powered units instead of investing in expensive infrastructure.
This approach has improved farmers bargaining power allowing them to avoid selling produce immediately after harvest when prices are often low. Instead they can wait for better market conditions improving incomes and reducing losses.
Kisilu work has also contributed to reducing food waste a critical issue as global populations grow and pressure on agricultural systems increases. Kenya government has prioritised food security under its development agenda emphasising innovation in agriculture and climate resilience.
The Global Citizen Prize announcement also highlighted the Global Citizen Prize Cisco Youth Leadership Award which recognises young innovators using technology to tackle global challenges.
This year recipient Diana Virgovicova founded Xatoms a company using artificial intelligence and quantum chemistry to develop materials that purify contaminated water. Her work addresses a global water crisis affecting more than two billion people.
The award supported by Cisco includes a 250000 USD grant aimed at scaling impactful technological solutions.
Kisilu recognition alongside global innovators underscores the growing role of technology in addressing interconnected challenges including food security and clean water access.
Kisilu nomination comes at a time when climate change continues to disrupt agricultural systems worldwide. Erratic weather prolonged droughts and supply chain challenges are increasing the vulnerability of smallholder farmers.
Solar powered cold storage offers a climate resilient solution by reducing dependence on fossil fuels while addressing food preservation challenges. By combining renewable energy with agricultural needs Solar Freeze presents a scalable model for regions facing similar constraints.
As the Global Citizen NOW summit approaches Kisilu work is expected to draw attention to the importance of locally driven solutions in global development efforts. His nomination highlights Kenya growing role in innovation and the impact of grassroots entrepreneurship in tackling global challenges.
