The Togolese Ministry of Energy has announced that the Netherlands' Royal Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) will assist Togo in developing its National Clean Cooking Access Program. This initiative aims to provide the country with a coherent operational framework to guide interventions, mobilize investments, and structure the actions of public, private, and civil society actors in favor of universal access to clean cooking. The program is expected to define a clear trajectory towards universal access by 2030.
The program will be implemented with the support of EED Advisory, a pan-African consulting firm specializing in energy, water, and climate change. According to the authorities, several steps have already been taken, including the review and validation of selected clean cooking technologies, program objectives, proposed activities and action plans, as well as a capacity-building plan. RVO is a Dutch government agency under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, which supports entrepreneurs, NGOs, and knowledge institutions in their international projects on sustainability, innovation, and trade.
The majority of Togolese households still cook with wood and charcoal, with over 90% relying on these traditional fuels. According to the World Bank's 2023 data, only 13.2% of the population had access to clean cooking fuels and technologies, up from 8% in 2022. The urban and rural disparities are significant, with 26.4% of the urban population having access to clean cooking, compared to only 1.1% in rural areas.
The National Clean Cooking Access Program aims to address these disparities and increase access to clean cooking for all Togolese households. The program will focus on developing a comprehensive framework that takes into account the needs of different stakeholders, including households, businesses, and institutions. This framework will also identify opportunities for investment and partnerships to support the transition to clean cooking.
The Netherlands' support for Togo's clean cooking program is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. RVO's involvement will provide technical assistance and expertise to help Togo develop a program that is tailored to its specific needs and context. This support will also help to build the capacity of local institutions and stakeholders to implement and sustain the program.
The development of a national clean cooking access program is a significant step towards achieving Togo's energy and environmental goals. The program will contribute to reducing the country's reliance on traditional fuels, which have negative impacts on health, environment, and the economy. By increasing access to clean cooking, Togo can also reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and improve the health and well-being of its citizens.
The implementation of the National Clean Cooking Access Program will require collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector companies, and civil society organizations. The program will also need to be aligned with existing policies and strategies, including Togo's National Energy Policy and its commitments under international agreements such as the Paris Agreement.
Key points
- Netherlands agency RVO to support Togo in developing national clean cooking access program
- Over 90% of Togolese households currently cook with wood and charcoal
- Program aims to increase access to clean cooking for all Togolese households by 2030
