One billion people in Africa still lack clean cooking solutions. Yet, a new IEA roadmap offers a cost-effective path. It aims to eradicate a major energy poverty issue. This also tackles significant health and development challenges.
African countries can close this gap in just 15 years. They can replicate progress seen elsewhere. The IEA report shows universal access by 2040. This targets sub-Saharan Africa.
THE URGENT NEED FOR CLEAN COOKING
Today, four in five African families cook with polluting fuels. They use wood, charcoal, or dung. Often, this happens over open fires or basic stoves. These practices cause over 800,000 premature deaths annually. Household air pollution is the primary cause. Women and children are most affected. Millions more are trapped in poverty. This impacts health, gender equality, and economic opportunity.
The new report maps clean cooking infrastructure. Universal Access to Clean Cooking in Africa offers insights. It assesses the cost and accessibility of solutions. This mapping extends down to the square kilometer. This detail informs a country-by-country roadmap. Sub-Saharan Africa can replicate effective policies. It can also adopt financing models and business strategies. Local contexts will guide adaptations.
GLOBAL COMMITMENT AND POLICY PROGRESS
The report tracks outcomes from the Clean Cooking Summit in May 2024. The IEA and partners hosted it in Paris. It mobilized over $2.2 billion in commitments. Over $470 million of these commitments are already disbursed. In parallel, ten of twelve African governments strengthened policies. These governments participated in the Summit. Over 70% of Africans without clean cooking now benefit. They live in countries with stronger policy frameworks since 2024.
“Lack of clean cooking access remains one of the greatest injustices,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “Nowhere is it more visible than in Africa.” One billion people still rely on polluting methods. The IEA has championed clean cooking for decades. “2025 can be a turning point for Africa,” he added. This builds on Summit commitments.
A DATA-DRIVEN ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS
“This new IEA report provides a clear, data-driven roadmap,” Birol continued. Every household across Africa can gain access. “The problem is solvable with existing technologies.” It would cost less than 0.1% of global energy investment. Delivering this needs stronger focus and coordinated action. Governments, industry, and partners must collaborate. South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025 offers an opportunity. It can accelerate efforts. This is a consequential investment for Africa’s future.
Under the new roadmap, 80 million people gain solutions annually. This represents a sevenfold acceleration from today’s pace. Granular, country-by-country analysis drives the roadmap. It bases solutions on real-world conditions. Technology and fuel choices are viable. They align with consumer preferences. Infrastructure realities are also considered.
DIVERSE SOLUTIONS AND INVESTMENT NEEDS
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) provides access for over 60% of new households. The remaining households gain access through other means. Growing shares of electricity, bioethanol, and biogas contribute. Advanced biomass cookstoves also play a role. Urban areas should achieve near-complete access by 2035. Rural access expands steadily through the 2030s.
Achieving universal access requires $37 billion in cumulative investment. This is needed up to 2040. It equals roughly $2 billion per year. This is less than 0.1% of global annual energy investment. This includes upfront spending on household equipment. Stoves, fuel cylinders, and canisters are examples. It also covers enabling infrastructure. Fuel distribution networks and storage terminals are crucial. Electricity grid upgrades are also essential.
FAR-REACHING BENEFITS FOR AFRICA
The new roadmap shows extensive benefits. Over 4.7 million premature deaths could be avoided. This is cumulatively between now and 2040. Women and girls could recover roughly two hours daily. This frees time for education and work. The gained time matches Brazil’s entire labor force. Meanwhile, 460,000 new permanent jobs would be created. These are primarily in the clean cooking value chain. Fuel distribution, retail, and maintenance are key areas. This is comparable to all electric utility workers in Africa today.
Progress on clean cooking also offers major climate benefits. The pathway entails some additional energy emissions. This comes from greater LPG and electricity use. However, these are dramatically outweighed. Reductions in forest degradation emissions occur. Incomplete combustion of wood-based fuels also decreases. As a result, 540 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions are avoided annually by 2040.
SUSTAINING MOMENTUM AND COLLABORATION
The IEA will continue tracking Summit pledges. This aligns with its ongoing commitment. It will report regularly on policies and financing flows. Real-world outcomes will also be tracked. This coincides with momentum across the African continent. Leadership from the African Union and Tanzania is crucial. They are longstanding champions of clean cooking. Their efforts culminated in the Dar es Salaam Declaration. Representatives from both will attend the report launch.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania expressed pride. “Tanzania was proud to co-host the IEA Summit,” she said. “We are already seeing the impact of our shared commitments.” Clean cooking is not a luxury. “It’s an issue that touches every family, every day.” Tanzania introduces new policies supporting the most vulnerable. “But we cannot do it alone,” she stressed. Continued support from partners and investors is essential. This reaches every home. It builds a healthier, more equal future. The African Union Dar es Salaam Declaration signals commitment. Thirty Heads of State signed it earlier this year.
African Union Commissioner Lerato Mataboge emphasized importance. “Clean cooking is a fundamental need,” she stated. It forms a foundation for health and equality. It also empowers economically, especially for women and girls. “The African Union is proud to see growing momentum.” She urged all partners to sustain efforts. “With strong political commitment, targeted finance and regional cooperation,” she believes universal access is possible. The IEA’s leadership has been instrumental. It elevated clean cooking on the global agenda. It turns pledges into real action.