AfDB's SEFA and BURN Launch $10M Program to Revolutionize Clean Cooking in Africa

Charcoal remains a primary fuel source for millions across Africa, posing serious health risks, contributing to deforestation, and exacerbating carbon emissions.

A bold new initiative is underway to transform cooking practices in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, thanks to a pioneering $10 million investment spearheaded by the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), managed by the African Development Bank (AfDB). With a $4 million reimbursable grant at its core, this project—known as the Burn Electric Cooking Expansion Program (BEEP)—aims to drastically reduce charcoal dependency by distributing 115,000 electric induction cookers to low-income, grid-connected households.

Charcoal remains a primary fuel source for millions across Africa, posing serious health risks, contributing to deforestation, and exacerbating carbon emissions. BEEP represents a scalable and technologically innovative solution that directly addresses these challenges while simultaneously improving the lives of vulnerable communities.

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An Innovative Model Blending Carbon Finance and Digital Access

Implemented by BURN Manufacturing Company, a Kenya-based clean energy firm with operations in over 10 African countries, BEEP introduces a unique financing structure that breaks traditional affordability barriers. Households receive energy-efficient induction cookers through pre-financing mechanisms, with repayment structured via a Pay-As-You-Cook model powered by mobile payments.

The program is structured around a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) capitalized through a blended finance model:

• $5 million senior loan from Spark+ Africa Fund

• $4 million reimbursable grant from SEFA

• $1 million in equity from Burn Manufacturing Company

The SPV oversees distribution, servicing, and sales of the cookers. It also owns the carbon credits generated by reduced charcoal use, with revenues distributed among participating investors. This approach offers a financially sustainable model by leveraging voluntary carbon markets, lowering upfront costs while ensuring long-term viability.

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Driving AfDB’s First-Ever Carbon Finance for Electric Cooking

According to Dr. Daniel Schroth, Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at AfDB, the initiative marks a milestone:

“This is the Bank’s first carbon finance transaction of its kind. SEFA plays a crucial role in mitigating carbon market risks and anchoring the Program’s financial sustainability.”

BEEP strongly aligns with SEFA’s core Energy Efficiency pillar by catalyzing private investment into high-impact, clean technologies. It also contributes to broader regional goals through the Mission 300 Initiative and the New Deal on Energy for Africa, both aimed at expanding clean, affordable energy access to all Africans.

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BURN’s Vision: Zero-Emission, IoT-Enabled Cooking for All

Peter Scott, CEO and Founder of BURN, emphasized the significance of AfDB’s support:

“We are honoured to receive this catalytic investment. This milestone enables us to rapidly scale our IoT-enabled induction stove across Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, offering households a clean, affordable, and digitally monitored alternative to charcoal.”

BURN’s induction cookers are IoT-enabled, allowing real-time monitoring of energy consumption and stove usage. This not only supports efficient service delivery but also helps verify emissions reductions—critical for carbon credit certification and transparency.

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Economic and Social Benefits Beyond the Stove

BEEP is expected to deliver multifaceted benefits:

• Health Improvements: By eliminating indoor smoke from charcoal and wood, the cookers reduce exposure to harmful particulates linked to respiratory illnesses.

• Environmental Protection: Reducing charcoal demand helps curb deforestation and lowers carbon emissions.

• Economic Empowerment: The program will stimulate local job creation in distribution, maintenance, and customer support.

• Supply Chain Strengthening: The initiative will fortify local manufacturing and service networks across the three countries.

The long-term goal is not just to distribute cookers, but to foster an ecosystem where electric cooking becomes the norm, rather than the exception.

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Setting the Stage for Replication Across Africa

With BEEP, the AfDB and its partners are showcasing a replicable model that other countries can adopt. The project’s innovative combination of carbon finance, digital monitoring, and flexible payment models makes it a landmark case in the effort to scale up clean cooking in Africa—an often-overlooked component of energy access.

As global leaders prepare for upcoming climate and development summits, BEEP stands as a testament to how integrated finance, technology, and local entrepreneurship can converge to deliver real climate and development impact. It also affirms that clean, electric cooking is not only possible in Africa—but inevitable.