OPEC Fund signs breakthrough clean cooking agreement with Madagascar

The OPEC Fund’s clean cooking initiative has passed a milestone. Following a successful pilot phase, the institution signed a US$35 million loan with the Republic of Madagascar in favor of the SMART Clean Cooking Project in September. 

The primary objective is to lead the clean cooking transition in the country through the reinforcement of relevant infrastructure, sustainable agroforestry and community empowerment. 

More than 2 billion people around the world rely on kerosene, wood, charcoal and other biomass for daily cooking. The OPEC Fund selected Madagascar because of the urgency and magnitude of the country’s needs. Just 1.6 percent of the population has access to clean fuels. Indoor air pollution from traditional cookstoves causes 17,000 deaths every year and is the primary cause of child mortality.