Sure Chill has developed a new cooling technology approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) that can ensure a refrigerator remains perfectly cool during any power outage. One Sure Chill medical refrigerator can last without power for over 12 days in ambient temperatures of 43 degrees Celsius.

The patented technology was first developed to protect life-saving temperature-sensitive vaccines in emerging countries; vaccine refrigerators with Sure Chill technology are estimated to have helped save millions of lives across over 47 countries.

Sure Chill’s chief executive, Nigel Saunders, joins the Prime Minister on a four-day tour of South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, meeting with leading businesses, policy-makers and entrepreneurs in order to build new investment, trading and export ties between the UK and these emerging markets.

Sure Chill is one of only two Welsh companies invited by the Prime Minister on the mission. Mrs May stated: “The Welsh companies I am taking to Africa are leading examples of how UK innovation is transforming the technology sector on a global scale. 

“The ambition and commitment to driving change that Sure Chill showcases is exactly what I want to see from British businesses, and I am pleased they are joining me on this important visit as the UK looks to deepen its partnership with Africa.”

According to the International Monetary Fund, African economies are amongst the fastest growing in the world, making it a significant trading and investment partner for the UK.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will set out how new partnerships between the UK and Africa can add value to the UK economy, creating new market opportunities for British businesses.

Mr Saunders said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with senior industrialists and politicians in some of the fastest growing economies in Africa where our product can really make a difference to communities.

“By storing energy within cooling devices we can provide life-saving and life-enhancing technology in regions with frequently interrupted power – or no power at all.”

Unlike conventional refrigerators, Sure Chill does not require constant power and harnesses a natural phenomenon in water to store energy, enabling weeks of continuous cooling.

Its potential to address global cooling challenges in both emerging and developed economies has attracted support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Shell Foundation.

Sure Chill customers include UNICEF, Ministries of Health, MSF and other key partners in global health.