Funding Gap Hampers Africa’s Clean Cooking Progress

In Numbers:
 • Africa currently invests around US$500 million annually in clean cooking, far below the US$4 billion needed each year to reach universal access by 2030.
 • About 60% of current funding comes from public sources, with the rest from private investors and donors.
 • Less than 5% of international climate finance to Africa is dedicated to clean cooking initiatives.

What Changed:
 Investment levels in Africa’s clean cooking sector remain well below targets, sustaining a multi-billion-dollar funding gap. Public funding continues to dominate, though private sector participation is slowly increasing. Some governments have improved policies, but only a minority have fully operational strategies to scale clean cooking solutions. Climate finance dedicated to clean cooking is growing but still represents a very small share of overall funding. Weak policy enforcement and funding shortfalls persist, slowing progress.

Why It Matters:
 Closing the funding and policy gaps is essential for scaling clean cooking access worldwide. Africa’s shortfall directly impacts global progress since the continent holds nearly half of those without clean cooking. Stronger financing and policy frameworks are needed to expand fuel and technology supply chains, enabling healthier and cleaner cooking practices.

Why Africa Should Care:
 Without adequate investment and effective policies, millions in Africa—especially in rural areas—will continue relying on harmful traditional fuels. This prolongs health risks, environmental damage, and socio-economic burdens. Expanding clean cooking funding and policy support is critical to improving quality of life and meeting sustainable development goals.