By Ojugbele Omotunde
Dr Akinwumi Adesina, president, The African Development Bank Group has stated that the AFDB will co-chair the next Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa alongside global leaders.
The group leaders includes Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol, and President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.
Dr. Adesina emphasized the importance of clean cooking as a fundamental human right and a promised that the AFDB is invested in creating a healthier, more sustainable future.
The International Institute of Standards and Technology (IEA) and the African Development Bank have co-authored a report on clean cooking, A Vision for Clean Cooking Access for All, and launched the Africa Clean Cooking Consortium at the COP28 climate change conference last year.
Adesina states that achieving universal clean cooking access by 2030 will improve health, prevent premature deaths, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and preserve forests.
Executive Director of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol, stated that the summit aims to deliver policy recommendations and financial commitments, cementing clean cooking as a global priority for years to come.
He welcomed President Adesina as co-chair for the Clean Cooking Summit, highlighting the African Development Bank’s support as a crucial partner.