At COP29 in Azerbaijan, the African Union (AU) and the United Republic of Tanzania will join together in a high-level event to make clean cooking a central part of the global climate agenda “Addressing the challenges of clean cooking in Africa: a call to act on African leadership”.
As African countries continue to grow economically and urbanize, the need for clean cooking solutions is more urgent than ever, and 70% of the population still relies on traditional cooking methods such as the intensive use of charcoal and firewood.
The high-level meeting will bring together African leaders, policy makers and international stakeholders to address clean cooking challenges and highlight the urgent need for political leadership, innovative partnerships and substantial financial investment for clean and sustainable cooking solutions reach across Africa.
Leadership and bold action in Africa
Africa has long been at the forefront of the climate debate and African countries are now taking bold and decisive action to face the challenge of clean cooking. Through the African Clean Cooking Program (ACCP), the African Union has already put clean cooking at the top of the continent’s agenda, recognizing that it is a vital part of climate action and sustainable development.
The AU Clean Cooking Program (ACCP) aims to increase access to clean cooking solutions, reduce harmful emissions, improve public health and promote innovation in cooking technologies across Africa.
This program is essential to achieve the African Union Agenda 2063, a program that envisions a prosperous, integrated and peaceful Africa.
The United Republic of Tanzania has emerged as a leading proponent of clean cooking in Africa, highlighting the importance of gender-inclusive approaches to addressing energy and climate challenges.
In 2023, President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched the Women’s Clean Cooking Support Program (AWCCSP) at COP28, a pioneering initiative that aims to raise awareness, create partnerships and mobilize financial resources to scale clean cooking solutions.
Some African countries have made clean cooking a national priority. Ghana, for example, has made significant progress in promoting Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a cleaner alternative, with a significant 36% increase in LPG use.
In addition, 30% of households now use improved stoves, which shows progress in increasing energy efficiency in the kitchen. Similarly, Kenya is expanding its LPG use, with 2.4 million people switching to affordable and safe LPG cooking solutions.
Clean Cooking and Climate Goals: A Critical Link
Clean cooking has the potential to be a key climate solution, delivering emissions reductions of up to 1.5 gigatonnes by 2030 and contributing around 10% to the target doubling of energy efficiency improvements.
The transition to clean cooking is a critical element of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in Africa.
By integrating clean cooking into national and regional climate action plans, African countries are accelerating their climate commitments and making significant progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 7 (clean and affordable energy for all ) to achieve.
Clean cooking solutions also contribute to SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 5 (gender equality) and SDG 13 (climate action), demonstrating the interconnectedness of these global goals.
Launch of landmark publication: “Sustainable Scaling: Meeting the Challenge of Clean Cooking in Africa
During the COP29 event, the African Union Energy Commission (AFREC) will launch a publication, “Sustainable Scaling: Meeting the Challenge of Clean Cooking in Africa”.
This publication provides a comprehensive roadmap for scaling clean cooking technologies in Africa, highlighting the innovative solutions, funding mechanisms and policy frameworks needed to accelerate the transition to cleaner cooking.
The report highlights the need for innovative funding models, including public-private partnerships, to scale the investment needed to scale clean cooking solutions and achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030.
The publication also calls for stronger policy coordination and political will among African governments to integrate clean cooking into national energy and climate plans.
By elevating clean cooking to the highest levels of political decision-making, African countries can create an environment conducive to innovation, investment and sustainable development.
A Platform for African Leadership and Global Partnerships
The COP29 high-level side event will be an important platform for African leaders to engage with international partners, multilateral organizations and private sector partners.
It will provide a unique opportunity to showcase African leadership in promoting solutions to global climate challenges, and clean cooking will be a cornerstone of Africa’s response to the climate crisis.
What are the potential health benefits of implementing clean cooking solutions in African communities?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Clean Cooking Expert
Editor: Good day, and thank you for joining us today. As we gear up for COP29 in Azerbaijan, the spotlight is on clean cooking in Africa. Joining us is Dr. Amina Ndugu, an expert in sustainable cooking solutions and a key figure in the African Clean Cooking Program (ACCP). Dr. Ndugu, it’s a pleasure to have you here.
Dr. Ndugu: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for clean cooking advocacy and solutions in Africa.
Editor: Absolutely! Let’s dive right in. This high-level event at COP29, featuring the African Union and Tanzania, emphasizes the urgency of clean cooking solutions. Why is this issue so critical right now?
Dr. Ndugu: The urgency stems from a combination of economic growth and urbanization across Africa. Currently, 70% of our population depends on traditional cooking methods, primarily charcoal and firewood. These methods not only contribute to deforestation but also pose severe health risks due to indoor air pollution. Clean cooking is integral to both public health and climate action.
Editor: That’s a staggering statistic. How does the ACCP plan to tackle these challenges?
Dr. Ndugu: The ACCP aims to increase access to clean cooking technologies and reduce harmful emissions. We’re pushing for innovative partnerships and significant financial investments. Addressing clean cooking is not just an environmental issue—it’s also about improving public health and spurring economic development through sustainable practices.
Editor: The ACCP seems to align with broader goals, such as the African Union Agenda 2063. Can you elaborate on this connection?
Dr. Ndugu: Certainly! The Agenda 2063 envisions a prosperous and integrated Africa, and clean cooking is a stepping stone toward that vision. The initiatives under ACCP contribute to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 7, which focuses on clean and affordable energy, and SDG 3 for good health. By prioritizing clean cooking, we’re making strides toward a more sustainable future.
Editor: Speaking of leaders, Tanzania is highlighted as a frontrunner in this movement. Can you tell us about the Women’s Clean Cooking Support Program launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan?
Dr. Ndugu: The Women’s Clean Cooking Support Program (AWCCSP) is groundbreaking. It acknowledges that women are often the primary cooks and thus disproportionately impacted by traditional cooking methods. The program aims to empower women by raising awareness, fostering partnerships, and mobilizing financial resources for clean cooking solutions. This is a gender-inclusive approach that not only addresses energy challenges but also promotes gender equality.
Editor: Impressive work! I understand that other countries, like Ghana and Kenya, are also making strides in this sector. Could you share some success stories?
Dr. Ndugu: Certainly! Ghana has seen a remarkable 36% increase in the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a cleaner alternative, along with 30% of households now using improved stoves. Kenya is also making progress, with 2.4 million people adopting safe and affordable LPG cooking solutions. These are clear demonstrations of how national policies can lead to positive change.
Editor: It’s inspiring to see such progress. In terms of climate goals, what role does clean cooking play?
Dr. Ndugu: Clean cooking could potentially reduce emissions by up to 1.5 gigatonnes by 2030. This aligns with global climate targets and represents about 10% of the necessary energy efficiency improvements. By incorporating clean cooking into national climate action plans, we’re not only advancing our climate commitments but also addressing health, gender equality, and environmental sustainability simultaneously.
Editor: That truly highlights the interconnectedness of these goals. Before we wrap up, what message do you want our audience to take away from this conversation?
Dr. Ndugu: I want to stress that clean cooking is not merely an energy issue—it is a health, economic, and social concern that requires immediate action. With strong political leadership and community engagement, we can provide sustainable solutions that empower people and protect our planet. It’s time to act together for a healthy and sustainable future.
Editor: Powerful words, Dr. Ndugu. Thank you so much for your insights today. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of COP29 and the continued progress towards clean cooking in Africa.
Dr. Ndugu: Thank you for having me. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier future for all.