African Development Bank Group Launches €25 Million Clean Cooking Program to Boost Access for One Million Households
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has launched the RPFF Clean Cooking Program (RCCP), a pivotal initiative designed to enhance investments in clean cooking solutions throughout Africa. This announcement was made during the AfDB’s 2026 Annual Meetings on May 27, in collaboration with the Government of Italy.
Context and Background of the RPFF
In February 2025, the Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility (RPFF) was established as a catalytic mechanism aimed at facilitating the swift deployment of grant and concessional financing. The RPFF is intended to co-finance projects in essential sectors, including energy, transport, and water. It is structured to leverage strategic partnerships, enabling collaborative design and financing to address critical issues such as climate vulnerability, irregular migration, and fragility.
Dr. Daniel Schroth, Director of the Department of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the AfDB, announced that the RCCP will commence with an initial funding envelope of €25 million. The program aims to provide clean cooking access to around one million households, with an expected reduction of five million tonnes of CO2 emissions. This initiative aligns with the clean cooking objectives outlined in the Mission 300 national energy compacts and collaborates with partners such as the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Strategic Importance of Clean Cooking Initiatives
Lorenzo Ortona, Deputy Coordinator of the Mission Structure for the Mattei Plan at the Office of the Italian Prime Minister, underscored the urgency of implementing clean cooking solutions. He pointed out that nearly one billion people in Africa currently lack access to clean cooking, which poses significant risks to health, gender equality, and economic development. The RCCP is positioned as a strategic priority within the Italian Government’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
The panel discussion included representatives from various countries, such as Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone, State Secretary for Development Policy in Denmark; Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation in Ethiopia; Leah Chirchir, Director of Economic Planning in Kenya; and Mulele Mulele, Permanent Secretary in Zambia’s Ministry of Finance and National Planning. They discussed the RPFF’s role and the importance of increasing investments in clean cooking across the continent.
Krone emphasized Denmark’s commitment to joining the RPFF by December 2025, highlighting that access to clean cooking is a priority for her country.
Regional Perspectives on Clean Cooking Implementation
Panel participants shared their unique perspectives on the requirements for implementing the RPFF. Kenya is set to host the second Africa Clean Cooking Summit in Nairobi from July 9-10, 2026, and is developing an e-cooking market development program with RPFF support. Ethiopia, already benefiting from RPFF investments in the water sector, will host COP32 in 2027 and is integrating clean cooking into its broader climate agenda. Zambia is also leveraging RPFF support for the strategic Lobito Corridor while expanding access to clean cooking in line with its Mission 300 National Energy Compact goals.
Currently, approximately €168 million has been committed to the RPFF by three donors: Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Denmark. The active portfolio includes four projects, ranging from solar-powered water systems in Ethiopia to green mini-grids in Mauritania and road infrastructure along the Lobito Corridor in Angola and Zambia. This portfolio has attracted around €389 million in co-financing from the AfDB and an additional €148 million from other partners and governments.
The Role of Partnerships in Accelerating Development
Dr. Schroth remarked on the rapid progress of the RPFF, noting its transition from concept to committed investments in a short timeframe. He stated that the new clean cooking program is strategically vital as it addresses urgent development challenges at the intersection of energy access, health, gender, climate, and livelihoods.
Ortona elaborated on the RPFF Clean Cooking Program, emphasizing its role in mobilizing concessional finance and attracting additional investments to enhance access to modern, safe, and affordable cooking solutions. He asserted that this initiative is not solely about energy; it is also about dignity, opportunity, and improving daily life for millions across the continent.
Francesca Utili, Alternate Governor at Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, concluded the session by praising the effectiveness of partnerships. She noted that one year after the launch of the Facility, the RPFF is now operating at full capacity, with a robust governance structure and an expanding project pipeline to meet the needs of African nations. This underscores the value of collaboration with the AfDB and the joint support for strategic priorities, including energy access and sustainable infrastructure development.
The Africa Clean Cooking Summit is scheduled for Nairobi, Kenya, from July 9-10, 2026.
For further details on the Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility (RPFF), visit cyberwarriorsmiddleeast.com.
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Published on 2026-06-01 06:33:00 • By the Editorial Desk
