AFRICAN countries have taken bold commitments to implement clean cooking energy solutions to offset the devastating effects of open fire cooking which kills roughly 600,000 women and children annually across the continent.
At the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit held in Tanzania on January 27–28, 12 African countries signed groundbreaking energy compacts aimed at fast-tracking access to electricity and clean cooking energy solutions. These commitments come in response to the devastating impact of open-fire cooking—which claims the lives of roughly 600,000 women and children across the continent each year—and align with both the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Bold commitments for a safer future
During the summit, national leaders affirmed their determination to accelerate the adoption of clean cooking technologies. Tanzanian President Suluhu Hassan, who delivered the closing remarks, remarked, ‘I understand that the 12 governments have only pioneered, and many others will join us in the future.’ She emphasised that the gathering was not only about consolidating existing commitments but also about forging new partnerships that would drive momentum towards achieving the 2030 energy goals.
Organised by the Government of Tanzania in collaboration with Mission 300—a joint initiative of the African Development Bank Group, the World Bank Group, and several global partners—the two-day summit sought innovative solutions to bridge Africa’s electricity gap using cutting-edge technology and creative financing models.
The human and economic toll
Moderating a special panel on clean cooking, Rashid Abdallah, Executive Director of the African Energy Commission, highlighted the severity of the continent’s energy challenges. ‘While 600 million Africans live without electricity, one billion lack access to clean cooking solutions,’ he noted. Relying heavily on biomass fuels such as wood and charcoal not only poses significant health risks but also imposes a staggering economic burden of approximately $790bn annually across Africa.
Innovative approaches to clean cooking
The summit featured insights from several key figures driving innovation in the sector. Dr Richard Muyungi, Special Envoy to the President of Tanzania, shared Tanzania’s successful experience with its National Clean Cooking Strategy. He stressed the importance of high-level political commitment, coordinated stakeholder engagement, and robust private sector participation. ‘Our nation is on track to transition 80 percent of its population to clean cooking technologies by 2034, thanks to determined efforts and strong leadership,’ he said, lauding President Hassan as a global champion for the cause.
Peter Scott, CEO of Burn Manufacturing—the continent’s largest clean cooking manufacturer—spoke about the diverse range of solutions being implemented. From fuel-efficient biomass stoves to advanced electric cooking appliances equipped with pay-as-you-go financing, Scott highlighted that significant funding is now available for clean cooking projects, contingent on the approval of supportive carbon credit regulations. ‘This is the most exciting time in the history of clean cooking,’ he declared, pointing to a surge in interest in carbon finance that could transform the market.
Martin Kimani, CEO of M-Gas, presented his company’s innovative pay-as-you-cook LPG model. By installing IoT-enabled smart meters directly onto gas cylinders without requiring an upfront payment, M-Gas has already onboarded half a million households in Kenya and Tanzania within just three years. ‘With as little as 35 cents, families can cook three meals a day,’ Kimani explained, underscoring the importance of affordability in driving widespread adoption.
National strategies and global support
Tanzania’s own battle against the harmful effects of open-fire cooking is well documented. The nation published its Clean Cooking Strategy for 2024–2034 last year in response to severe challenges—including 3,000 annual deaths and extensive deforestation from charcoal and firewood use. During the summit, awards were presented to innovators who developed solutions such as biogas production plants and click-gas LPG delivery systems, further incentivising progress in this vital area.
In a powerful call for action, African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina questioned, ‘Why should anybody have to die just for trying to cook a decent meal that is taken for granted in other parts of the world? Africa must develop with dignity, with pride. Its women and population must have access to clean energy solutions.’ The bank has already pledged $2bn over the next 10 years—a significant contribution toward the estimated $4bn per year required to ensure that all African families have access to clean cooking energy by 2030.
These bold commitments represent a critical step forward in the fight against the deadly effects of open-fire cooking. As African nations rally together to implement clean cooking energy solutions, the potential to save lives, protect the environment, and stimulate economic growth offers a beacon of hope for millions across the continent.
