G20 Leaders’ Declaration Endorses Clean Cooking Investment Plan

At the G20 summit in South Africa, which came to a close on Sunday, Nov. 23, global leaders released the G20 Leaders’ Declaration, which included a statement endorsing the Voluntary Infrastructure Investment Action Plan to Accelerate the Deployment of Clean Cooking Solutions. This comes on the heels of the World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA) and the Clean Cooking Alliance calling on G20 to implement the plan, seeking investment in clean cooking infrastructure in Africa and the Global South. This marked the first time in the forum’s history where clean cooking was elevated to a standing item for discussion at the summit.

The proposed investment plan outlined how universal access to clean cooking could be achieved within the decade through an annual global investment of 8 billion U.S. dollars, half of which would be specifically required for Africa.

In the Leaders’ Declaration, G20 leaders said, “We welcome the Voluntary Infrastructure Investment Action Plan to Accelerate the Deployment of Clean Cooking Solutions. We note the voluntary commitment of members to create a conducive policy environment, and where necessary, reforms to support the development and deployment of accessible and affordable clean cooking technologies, infrastructure and fuels including but not limited to LPG. This includes supporting investments in decentralized and inclusive energy solutions, grid expansion and enabling policy frameworks. We acknowledge the multistakeholder action required to accelerate universal energy security, access and affordability, drive sustainable development, and foster just transitions across the African continent. We welcome the Mission 300 platform, led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank, to advance efforts to connect 300 million people to electricity in Africa by 2030. We also note the other international initiatives on the use of different types of zero- and low-emission technologies and fuels to promote energy access in Africa and beyond.”

James Rockall, managing director and CEO of WLGA, which works in Africa to promote the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a cleaner alternative fuel, made the following statement following the release of the G20 Leaders’ Declaration:

“The G20’s endorsement of the Voluntary Infrastructure Investment Action Plan is a historic moment for efforts to expand access to clean cooking solutions across Africa and the Global South. Although this plan is voluntary, elevating this topic onto the global economic stage underscores that rapid progress must be made, with nearly 2.5 billion people — including four in five Africans — currently relying on hazardous biomass fuels for cooking.

“We urge G20 members to ensure their policy reforms and investment strategies recognize LPG’s unique capacity to drive universal energy access and affordability, and accelerate a just energy transition across the African continent.”