The 80 million clean cookstoves project is a mission for Africa’s women and families – Akinwumi
- +Why was it necessary to launch a project of this magnitude?
- +How will the project improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians?
- +What major agreements were signed during the event?
- +You described the initiative as “Agenda 2030.” What does that mean?
- +What do you expect from stakeholders?
- +What legacy do you hope this project will leave behind?
- +What is behind the confidence you exude?
Olawale Akinwumi, president and group chief executive officer of GREENPLINTH AFRICA, spoke with journalists during the Project Implementation Kick-off of the 80 Million Clean Cookstoves Project in Nigeria at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. He discussed the vision behind the initiative, strategic partnerships and the project’s long-term impact on Africa. LYDIA ENYIDIYA EKE captured the discourse. Excerpts:
Olawale Akinwumi, president and group chief executive officer of GREENPLINTH AFRICA, spoke with journalists during the Project Implementation Kick-off of the 80 Million Clean Cookstoves Project in Nigeria at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.
Two years after the project was first unveiled, what does this moment represent for you?
About two years ago, we gathered in this same hall to officially flag off what is today regarded as the largest single clean cookstoves project in the world. The 80 Million Clean Cookstoves Project in Nigeria today represents the official take-off of that vision.
It is a major milestone for Nigeria, for Africa and especially for the resilient women who deserve access to safer and cleaner cooking systems.
Why was it necessary to launch a project of this magnitude?
The reality is that more than 950 million Africans still lack access to clean cooking, while over 180 million Nigerians are affected directly. Women and children remain the most vulnerable because they are constantly exposed to smoke from traditional cooking methods. We cannot continue to ignore this challenge. It is time for Africans to intentionally solve African problems.
This project is designed to combat indoor air pollution, reduce deforestation and lower harmful carbon emissions while improving the quality of life for millions of households.
How will the project improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians?
The provision of free clean cookstoves and free briquettes will transform millions of homes across Nigeria. Families will enjoy cleaner indoor air, reduced respiratory illnesses and safer cooking environments.
Beyond health, this initiative also has strong economic benefits. It reduces household fuel costs and empowers women economically. For us, this is not just a cooking project. It is a social transformation project.
What major agreements were signed during the event?
One of the major highlights was the signing of a manufacturing agreement with Allgreen Energy NV for the first 24 million clean cookstoves. In addition, Allgreen Energy NV and its partners committed to supporting the project with an investment of 10 billion dollars within the next 18 months.
This investment will strengthen production, implementation and nationwide rollout.
You described the initiative as “Agenda 2030.” What does that mean?
The 80 Million Clean Cookstoves Project is our Agenda 2030 because it represents a long-term commitment to sustainable development and clean energy access.
What do you expect from stakeholders?
We are calling on stakeholders, investors, development partners and Nigerians to see this initiative as a collective mission. The goal is not just distribution of cookstoves, but creating a cleaner, healthier and more climate-responsible Africa.
What legacy do you hope this project will leave behind?
We believe that when the story of clean cooking access in Africa is eventually told, the names of those supporting this initiative will be written boldly in gold.
What is behind the confidence you exude?
This project is about changing lives, protecting the environment and securing a better future for generations to come. We are proud to be part of this historic movement.
