The IEA finds that $740mn of the $2.2bn pledged at the first Clean Cooking Summit for Africa has been disbursed to projects across nearly 30 countries. Around three-quarters of this funding has gone directly to in-country investments, with the largest shares directed to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa.

Most disbursements have supported the distribution and installation of end-use equipment such as cookstoves and LPG cylinders, while smaller shares have been allocated to technical assistance, market development, investment vehicles and infrastructure. Nearly half of the funding has gone to LPG, with the remainder spread across improved biomass, electric cooking, biogas and other solutions.

Around 12 million people gained access to clean cooking solutions in 2024, roughly three times the annual rate seen in 2010, with early indications pointing to further gains in 2025. Sixteen countries recorded faster progress than in the previous year, although rapid population growth meant the overall number of people without access continued to increase.

The report also highlights rising investment in the sector. Annual spending reached approximately $770mn in 2024, up from $590mn in 2020, with around 70% coming from private capital and consumer spending. LPG remains the dominant cooking fuel, accounting for more than 70% of access, while electric cooking is the second most widely used option and biomass cookstoves continue to play a role in many households.

External pressures are also affecting the sector. Disruptions to global LPG markets following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to higher prices, reducing affordability for households and increasing fiscal pressure on governments. These developments highlight the importance of strengthening fuel supply security and diversifying cooking technologies.

Alongside financial trends, policy activity has increased significantly. Since 2024, more than 120 new clean cooking policies have been introduced across more than 30 countries, representing most of the population without access. These measures, combined with a growing pipeline of infrastructure – including an estimated 250,000 t of additional LPG storage capacity under construction – are expected to support further progress.

Ahead of the second Clean Cooking Summit (which was planned for 9–10 July but postponed because of travel restrictions), the IEA reported a further $900mn in new financial commitments, adding to the $2.2bn pledged at the inaugural 2024 Paris meeting. The next summit in Nairobi is expected to focus on mobilising additional funding and accelerating delivery.

A new institutional arrangement for the Clean Cooking Alliance has also been agreed, transitioning it into an intergovernmental initiative hosted by the IEA. The shift is intended to strengthen coordination between governments, industry and financiers, with 12 countries participating in the inaugural meeting under the new structure. It is expected to provide a more formal framework to track progress, align policy efforts and sustain momentum between summits.