Africa needs $4bn yearly to expand clean cooking access by 2030 – Samira Bawumia
Former Second Lady Hajia Samira Bawumia has called for an annual investment of about US$4 billion to accelerate Africa’s transition to clean cooking, warning that inadequate funding is worsening health risks, deforestation and gender inequalities. She said the continent’s continued reliance on firewood and other traditional cooking fuels was undermining public health, environmental sustainability and the economic empowerment of women and girls. Speaking as a panellist at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, Hajia Bawumia urged African governments, development partners and private-sector investors to make clean cooking a priority in the continent’s development and climate agenda. Citing estimates by the International Energy Agency (IEA), she said Africa required about US$4 billion annually to accelerate the adoption of cleaner cooking technologies by 2030.