AfDB’s Bold Move: $2 Billion for a Decade to Fuel Clean Cooking Across Africa

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has made a significant commitment of $2 billion to promote clean cooking, with a particular focus on benefiting women and children throughout Africa.

AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina, announced this pledge during an International Energy Agency conference on clean cooking in Paris, France. Adesina highlighted that this pledge represents 20% of the bank’s annual spending on energy.

Adesina emphasized that clean cooking is not merely about culinary activities but encompasses broader themes such as human dignity, fairness, justice, and equity for women. He stressed that ensuring access to clean cooking methods will not only improve lives but also contribute to the preservation of at least 200 million hectares of forests worldwide by 2030, with 110 million hectares in Africa alone.

Furthermore, the French government has commended the AfDB for its pivotal role in promoting clean cooking initiatives across Africa. French President Emmanuel Macron announced a commitment of €100 million ($108.6 million) over the next five years to advance clean cooking technologies in Africa. Macron also mentioned that additional funds would be mobilized through initiatives such as the Paris Pact for People and the Planet and the Finance in Common initiative to support this cause.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania emphasized the importance of advancing the clean cooking agenda in Africa, stating that it contributes to protecting the environment, climate, health, and ensuring gender equality. She called on the global community to ensure a robust replenishment of the African Development Fund to support clean cooking initiatives.

The summit concluded with pledges totaling $2.2 billion from both public and private sectors, underlining the collective commitment towards advancing clean cooking technologies and fuels across the continent.