Access to Clean Cooking in Africa Stalls Amid Growing Demand

In Numbers:
 • 923 million people in Africa lack access to clean cooking fuels and technologies in 2023, nearly half of the global total.
 • The number without clean cooking access has increased by 10 million since the last report, reversing prior progress.
 • Urban access reaches 55% of households, while rural access remains below 15%, maintaining a large gap.

What Changed:
 After years of gradual improvement, Africa saw a rise in the number of people without clean cooking access, driven by population growth and economic pressures. Urban households show small gains in clean fuel use, but rural areas continue to lag far behind. Projections indicate that without accelerated action, the number of people lacking access will remain high through 2030. This signals a slowdown in meeting global clean cooking targets.

Why It Matters:
 Africa’s clean cooking setback has global implications, as the continent accounts for almost half of those without access worldwide. Slow progress delays health and environmental benefits, keeps demand high for polluting fuels, and undermines international sustainability goals. The market for clean cooking fuels and technologies faces increased urgency and scale challenges.

Why Africa Should Care:
 The growing access gap worsens indoor air pollution and environmental degradation, impacting public health—especially women and children who spend more time cooking. Rural communities remain most vulnerable due to infrastructure and cost barriers. Without targeted policies and funding to expand affordable clean cooking options, Africa risks missing vital socio-economic improvements linked to cleaner, safer cooking methods.