Extending access depends on new infrastructure, with differing requirements across technologies and regions. This chapter maps for the first time ever Africa’s existing clean cooking infrastructure, highlighting gaps and key considerations for expansion.

Widening liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution in sub-Saharan Africa requires the buildout of infrastructure. This includes additional primary storage – which is concentrated in oil producing states today – and improved port infrastructure, as 50% of LPG demand in the region is imported. On the distribution side, additional bottling facilities and specialised vehicles for safe transportation are required. With nearly 20 plants operating, cylinder manufacturing is a market segment where local players could have a competitive edge – provided quality meets international standards.

Consumer uptake of electric cooking is on the rise globally, and in some countries, it has been a strategy to reduce fuel imports and better utilise electricity infrastructure. In South Africa, for example, over 80% of the population cooks with electricity. Successful rollout depends on increased reliability. Even for the 51% of Africans with electricity today, many do not have sufficiently reliable electricity.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, at least 15 major cookstove production facilities are currently operating. While these facilities produce a range of stove types, many of them manufacture improved and advanced biomass cookstoves. The transition to higher-performing models is driving a shift toward modern, large-scale, centralised manufacturing, and in some cases a higher reliance on imports. Many advanced stoves require processed biomass pellets to meet specified air quality standards, rather than charcoal or fuelwood. Currently, at least 20 pellet production plants are operational or in development across 10 sub-Saharan African countries.

Biogas systems convert organic waste such as crop residues, livestock manure, and human waste into biogas for cooking and nutrient-rich fertiliser. Biogas projects operate in at least 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa today, and the region has the potential to produce over 110 bcme per year. Industry is shifting towards prefabricated digesters with lower costs and installation requirements to help scale. But without proper maintenance and training, many projects fall into disuse.

Bioethanol for cooking has a significant footprint in East Africa today. Sub-Saharan Africa currently produces over 750 million litres of bioethanol annually across 25 facilities. New distribution models are emerging, including the use of “Fuel ATMs” installed at fuel stations and local shops. Some parts of the bioethanol supply chain – notably transportation and fuel storage – can leverage LPG infrastructure for their scale-up.