Partnership Between Africa50, African Development Bank, OPEC Fund, and Malagasy Government Targets Improved Access to Clean Cooking Solutions in Madagascar
In a significant move towards sustainable development, the African Development Bank Group, Africa50, and the OPEC Fund for International Development have joined forces with the government of Madagascar to boost bioethanol production and distribution in the island nation.
The African Development Bank Group, Africa's premier development finance institution, will collaborate with Africa50, a pan-African infrastructure investor and asset manager, and the OPEC Fund to provide technical and financial assistance to the Government of Madagascar. Africa50 will serve as the lead developer for the bioethanol production infrastructure.
This partnership is a crucial step towards enhancing access to clean cooking fuel in Madagascar, where 99 percent of the population currently relies on charcoal and wood for cooking, leading to significant deforestation. The initiative aims to mitigate this severe deforestation and reduce dependence on harmful fuels that have detrimental effects on both the climate and public health.
Indoor air pollution, primarily caused by the use of these harmful fuels, is the second leading cause of premature death in sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in approximately 700,000 deaths annually, predominantly among women and children under five. By transitioning to cleaner cooking fuels, this partnership aims to improve public health and reduce adverse environmental impacts.
The OPEC Fund, the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing to non-member countries exclusively, has committed approximately $27 billion to development projects in over 125 countries, with an estimated total project cost exceeding $200 billion. The African Development Bank and the OPEC Fund's involvement in this initiative is part of broader efforts to support Africa's energy transition.
Kariuki, Vice President of the African Development Bank for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth, added that this partnership is a significant step forward. Olivier Jean Baptiste, Madagascar's Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons, also expressed his satisfaction, stating that the partnership will contribute to the country's development and the well-being of its people.
The partners plan to construct and upgrade bioethanol production infrastructure, strengthen supply chains, and improve accessibility and availability for consumers. This initiative is part of Africa50 and the AfDB's broader efforts to mobilize innovative financing solutions to support Africa's energy transition.
Supporting clean cooking is a core element of the OPEC Fund's climate action strategy as it encompasses crucial aspects of sustainable development, including improving public health, reducing adverse environmental impacts, and facilitating women's empowerment.
The agreement was announced during Africa50's General Shareholders Meeting in Antananarivo and was signed by key signatories including Olivier Jean Baptiste, Madagascar's Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons; Khaled Al-Zayer, OPEC Fund Public Sector Director for East and Southern Africa; Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50; and Kevin Kariuki, Vice President of the African Development Bank for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth.
Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, stated that the organization is pleased to partner with the Government of Madagascar as part of broader efforts to develop essential infrastructure in the country. Africa50 is dedicated to increasing access to clean cooking fuel across Africa by collaborating with like-minded partners to scale up investment in bioethanol-related infrastructure.
With this partnership, Madagascar takes a significant step towards transforming its energy landscape, providing access to clean cooking fuels, particularly in remote and underserved areas. This initiative is a testament to the commitment of the African Development Bank Group, Africa50, the OPEC Fund, and the Government of Madagascar towards sustainable development and improving the lives of their citizens.
