MALAWI – The government of Malawi and its development partners have launched a US$1.1million clean cooking fund to promote fuel efficient cooking technologies and alternative cooking energy in the country.
The country’s Minister for Forestry and Natural Resources. Nancy Tembo said in Lilongwe during the launch that the funds will provide financing to the innovative entrepreneurs that have creativity and business vision to transform cooking and change history.
“This focus is in full alignment with government’s development agenda and I believe that we have the creativity and entrepreneurs that will turn the funds into sustainable clean cooking in future,” she observed.
The Malawi Clean Cooking Grant Fund will support entities interested to improve the adoption of market-based improved cook-stove and the delivery and adoption of fuel-efficient cooking technologies in selected rural areas.
“This focus is in full alignment with government’s development agenda and I believe that we have the creativity and entrepreneurs that will turn the funds into sustainable clean cooking in future”
Nancy Tembo – Forestry and Natural Resources Minister, Malawi
It also advances commitment from the two governments in halting the rapid deforestation and forest degradation rates in Malawi and improve the country’s energy security.
The minister urged the community to use the financial resources prudently and efficiently in oder to achieve the set goals and objectives.
In his remarks, UK Chief of Party for the modern cooking in Malawi, Ramzy Kanaan said the fund which is inform of a grant is a performance based designed to provide direct support to the private sector and other qualified organizations to scale up clean cooking solutions in Malawi.
“Private sector and organizations are requested to submit applications and to those that have scored above the threshold will be requested to submit a full proposal,” he said.
However, the fund will help to reduce intense pressure on forests as most people in the country use charcoal and firewood as their means of cooking.
The Fund is designed to support the mandates of the Ministries of Energy and Forestry and Natural Resources in protecting the country’s forests, natural resources and energy sources for the country’s future generation and development.
Liked this article? Subscribe to DealStreet Africa News, our regular email newsletter with the latest news, deals and insights from Africa’s business, economy and more. SUBSCRIBE HERE
