African Development Bank Group Launches €25 Million Clean Cooking Program at 2026 Annual Meetings
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has unveiled the RPFF Clean Cooking Program (RCCP), a significant initiative aimed at boosting investments in clean cooking solutions across Africa. This announcement was made during the AfDB’s 2026 Annual Meetings on May 27, hosted by the Government of Italy in collaboration with the Bank.
Context and Background of the RPFF
Established in February 2025, the Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility (RPFF) serves as a catalytic tool designed to facilitate rapid deployment of grant and concessional financing. It aims to co-finance projects in critical sectors such as energy, transport, and water. The RPFF is structured to leverage strategic partnerships, enabling collaborative design and financing to tackle pressing 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 the RCCP with an initial funding envelope of €25 million. The program aims to provide clean cooking access to approximately one million households, with an anticipated 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 like 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, emphasized the urgency of clean cooking solutions. He noted that nearly one billion people in Africa lack access to clean cooking, which poses serious 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 featured key representatives from various countries, including 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 deliberated on the RPFF’s role and the significance of increasing investments in clean cooking across the continent.
Krone highlighted Denmark’s commitment to joining the RPFF in December 2025, underscoring that access to clean cooking is a priority for her country.
Regional Perspectives on Clean Cooking Implementation
Countries participating in the panel 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.
As of now, 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 already 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, stating that it has transitioned from concept to committed investments in a short timeframe. He noted 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 further elaborated on the RPFF Clean Cooking Program, highlighting its role in mobilizing concessional finance and attracting additional investments to enhance access to modern, safe, and affordable cooking solutions. He emphasized 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 Zawya.
Keep reading for the latest cybersecurity developments, threat intelligence and breaking updates from across the Middle East.
