Cost and Culture Continue to Limit Clean Cooking Adoption in Africa

In Numbers:
• Over 60% of households without clean cooking access cite upfront stove and fuel costs as the main barrier.
• About 40% of households hesitate to switch due to cultural preferences like cooking habits and fuel taste.
• Infrastructure gaps affect more than 70% of the population without access, especially in rural areas.

What Changed:
Persistent cost and cultural barriers continue to restrict clean cooking adoption, with little improvement since the last report. Infrastructure challenges remain widespread, limiting reliable fuel and stove availability. Projections for universal access by 2030 have been revised downward, now estimating only 60% coverage in Africa. However, increased policy support and investment could raise access to over 85% by 2040, showing potential if barriers are addressed.

Why It Matters:
Addressing adoption barriers is crucial for converting fuel supply into actual clean cooking use. Slow uptake due to costs, culture, and infrastructure risks delaying global progress toward universal clean cooking access, especially in Africa where demand is fastest growing.

Why Africa Should Care:
Without overcoming cost and cultural hurdles and improving fuel supply infrastructure, millions in Africa—particularly in rural areas—will remain dependent on harmful traditional cooking methods. This prolongs health risks, environmental damage, and socio-economic challenges, underscoring the need for targeted, affordable, and culturally appropriate solutions.