The African Development Bank (AfDB) has greenlit a $4 million reimbursable grant to accelerate the transition from charcoal to electric cooking in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia.
This ambitious drive, led by Kenyan clean cookstove innovator Burn, aims to transform the energy habits of 115,000 low-income, grid-connected households currently dependent on charcoal.
The initiative, dubbed the Burn Electric Cooking Expansion Program (BEEP), breaks new ground by combining carbon-backed subsidies with flexible pay-as-you-go financing.
This innovative model drastically lowers upfront costs, making clean electric cooking more accessible to vulnerable communities. In addition to AfDB’s grant, BEEP benefits from a $5 million senior loan from Spark+ Africa Fund and a $1 million equity investment from Burn itself.
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will oversee the distribution, maintenance, and carbon credit sales, with revenues reinvested to maintain affordability and scale the program. “This transaction de-risks carbon markets for clean cooking accessibility,” said Dr. Daniel Schroth, AfDB’s Director for Renewable Energy, underscoring the project’s pioneering role in sustainable energy finance.
Burn’s CEO, Peter Scott, emphasised the program’s innovative approach: “Our IoT-enabled stoves and mobile payment systems are key milestones that enable scalable and user-friendly electric cooking.” The benefits extend beyond cleaner air and reduced deforestation; BEEP is poised to create new jobs and strengthen local supply chains across the region.
This groundbreaking initiative directly supports SEFA’s (Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa) commitment to energy efficiency and aligns with AfDB’s Mission 300—targeting universal access to low-carbon energy. As East Africa embarks on this transformative journey, the project offers a compelling blueprint for sustainable development and climate resilience across the continent.
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