Partnership between Africa50, African Development Bank, OPEC Fund, and Madagascar Government Focused on Expanding Clean Cooking Availability

Madagascar, a country heavily reliant on charcoal and wood for cooking, is set to transform its energy landscape with a new initiative aimed at enhancing bioethanol production and distribution.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Africa50, and the OPEC Fund for International Development have signed a Letter of Intent with the Government of Madagascar to support this endeavour. Africa50 will serve as the lead developer for the bioethanol production infrastructure, while the African Development Bank and the OPEC Fund will provide technical and financial assistance to the Government of Madagascar.

The aim of the initiative is to mitigate severe deforestation in Madagascar, a problem largely caused by the reliance on cooking fuels such as charcoal and wood. By promoting clean cooking, the partnership hopes to reduce adverse environmental impacts and contribute to sustainable development.

Indoor air pollution, primarily caused by the use of harmful fuels, is the second leading cause of premature death in sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in approximately 700,000 deaths annually, predominantly among women and children under five. This initiative, therefore, holds the potential to significantly improve public health in Madagascar.

The OPEC Fund's climate action strategy includes supporting clean cooking as it encompasses crucial aspects of sustainable development. The organisation, which is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively, has committed approximately $27 billion to development projects in over 125 countries, with an estimated total project cost exceeding $200 billion.

Africa50, a pan-African infrastructure investor and asset manager dedicated to contributing to Africa's growth, is also committed to increasing access to clean cooking fuel across Africa. The organisation, which currently has 35 shareholders including 31 African countries, the African Development Bank, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), and Bank Al-Maghrib, is dedicated to developing essential infrastructure in Madagascar that will limit deforestation and combat climate change while improving livelihoods.

Ebobissé, from Africa50, stated that the partnership with the Government of Madagascar is part of broader efforts to develop essential infrastructure in the country. Kariuki, from the AfDB, expressed excitement about collaborating with Africa50, the OPEC Fund, and the Government of Madagascar to promote clean cooking in Madagascar.

The partners plan to construct and upgrade production infrastructure and strengthen supply chains to improve accessibility and availability of clean cooking fuels. The initiative is expected to benefit millions who depend on unsafe cooking fuels and contribute to Africa's energy transition.

While the organization acting as the lead developer for the bioethanol production infrastructure in Madagascar is not explicitly stated in the provided search results, Omnicane, a diversified group with expertise in agro-industry and bioethanol production, is mentioned in a nearby regional context (Mauritius). This suggests that Omnicane might have relevant expertise, but there is no direct confirmation of its role in Madagascar from the given data.

The initiative is part of Africa50 and the AfDB's broader efforts to mobilize innovative financing solutions to support Africa's energy transition. The African Development Bank Group contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. By supporting this initiative, these organizations are demonstrating their commitment to sustainable development and the improvement of public health in Madagascar.

Partnership between Africa50, African Development Bank, OPEC Fund, and Madagascar Government Focused on Expanding Clean Cooking Availability