Africa’s push for sustainable energy has gained a significant traction since the launch of the $40-billion Africa Energy Fund, an ambitious initiative aimed at providing 300 million people with access to cleaner and more reliable energy by 2030.
Announced at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam early this year, the landmark initiative marks a significant step in addressing the continent’s energy challenges, including reliance on traditional biomass cooking fuels that cause over 600,000 premature deaths annually.
The fund, backed by substantial contributions from global institutions – including $22 billion from the World Bank and $18.2 billion from the African Development Bank – seeks to accelerate access to sustainable energy solutions.
Additional support comes from the Islamic Development Bank ($2.65 billion) and the OPEC Fund ($1 billion), reflecting a robust commitment to driving change.
The Africa Energy Chamber (AEC) said on Friday that the momentum generated by the Africa Energy Fund has placed the continent at a pivotal moment in its energy transition.
It noted that by addressing immediate needs such as clean cooking while pursuing large-scale electrification and off-grid solutions, Africa is poised to make significant strides toward achieving universal energy access.
“The initiative aligns with Africa’s broader push for sustainable energy solutions, including clean cooking technologies, which remain one of the most critical yet underfunded sectors in the energy transition,” AEC said.
Over 900 million people on the continent still rely on biomass fuels such as wood and charcoal for cooking, contributing to severe health, environmental and economic consequences, including household air pollution, deforestation and rising carbon emissions.
As Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025 approaches, the focus on clean cooking solutions is expected to dominate discussions, with stakeholders exploring innovative financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships and strategies for integrating these technologies into national energy plans.
Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana have already demonstrated leadership in expanding clean cooking access through targeted policies, subsidies and infrastructure investment, serving as models for other nations.
AEW 2025, organised by AEC, will provide a critical platform for governments, investors and businesses to align efforts and mobilise resources to turn these ambitions into reality.
JN/APA