The African Development Bank (AfDB) just approved $8.79 million in financing for the Uganda Biogas and Electric Cooking Project (UBEP), an initiative aimed at expanding clean cooking access across Uganda.
This funding, primarily from the African Development Fund’s Climate Action Window, covers 64% of the project cost, with contributions from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Government of Uganda.
Addressing the critical need for sustainable energy solutions in a country where nearly 89% of households rely on biomass for cooking, according to AfDB data.
This widespread dependence is accelerating deforestation and worsening indoor air pollution, contributing to a projected annual wood biomass deficit of over 100 million tons.
Moreover, the practice of utilizing charcoal and wood fuel in Uganda is said to impact the health of many women and children in the region, according to a Research Gate study.
The project also aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, Energy Transition Plan, the Bank’s Uganda Country Strategy Paper (2022–2026), and the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement.
The financing of the UBEP by the AfDB is also part of the AfDB’s plan to support new energy initiatives, achieving the Mission 300 goal.
Impact of financing the UBEP
UBEP targets both rural and urban households by installing 47 biogas plants in public institutions and distributing 77,000 electric cooking appliances in urban areas.
UBEP is expected to reduce biomass dependence, improve indoor air quality, and curb tree harvesting.
In the long term, it will also support forest conservation, restore ecosystems, enhance soil and water quality, and boost agricultural productivity through nutrient-rich biogas byproducts, according to the AfDB report.
“The Uganda Biogas and Electric Cooking Project is a major milestone to help reduce the estimated half a million early deaths of women and children across Africa annually due to pollution from open fires,” said the Bank’s Uganda Country Manager, Josephine Ngure.
“By promoting electric cooking methods, the Bank is supporting Uganda’s goal of achieving an 18 percent national eCooking adoption rate by 2030,” Ngure added.
The project includes awareness campaigns to drive behavioral change and technical training for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and technicians to ensure operational sustainability, as stated in the AfDB report.
The project also promotes gender equity, reducing the time women spend gathering firewood.
