African countries have secured US$900 million in new funding commitments to boost clean cooking, marking a major outcome of the Africa Clean Cooking Summit held in Nairobi.
The funding forms part of a broader effort to address one of the continent’s most pressing development challenges, with more than 923 million people in Africa still relying on traditional cooking methods such as firewood and charcoal. According to summit organisers, these practices contribute to widespread health problems, environmental degradation and economic hardship.
The commitments were announced during a high-level ministerial meeting attended by African leaders and international partners, including Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, United Republic of Tanzania Vice President Philip Isdor Mpango, and representatives from global development institutions.
The summit highlighted strong policy momentum across the continent. Since the 2024 Africa Clean Cooking Summit, more than 120 clean cooking policies have been introduced across over 20 African countries, while 66% of African nations have integrated clean cooking into their national energy strategies.
Organisers also launched the Clean Cooking Security Programme, a public-private initiative aimed at strengthening clean cooking supply chains and improving access to affordable technologies. The Vital Impact Fund for Clean Cooking was introduced to accelerate investment in the sector, while the Clean Cooking Alliance announced a new ministerial network to strengthen regional cooperation.
Leaders at the summit said expanding access to clean cooking will require sustained investment, stronger policy frameworks, and greater collaboration among governments, development partners, and the private sector to improve public health, reduce emissions, and support long-term economic development.
