Rwanda and Saudi Arabia have launched a clean cooking initiative that aims to bring Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to 50,000 low-income households, with an aim of promoting sustainable living, climate resilience, and public health improvement.
The project, announced on October 29, brings together Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Saudi Arabia’s Forward7, under a pilot programme designed to replace traditional wood fuel with affordable LPG solutions.
The initiative, implemented by Bboxx, a Rwandan clean energy company, will distribute modern two-burner stoves, 12-kilogram gas cylinders, and smart valves equipped with a pay-as-you-go system.
This innovative model allows families to pay gradually for gas usage, making clean energy accessible even to those with limited income.
Over the next 18 months, the rollout will cover more parts of Rwanda, with over 6,000 households already benefiting from the LPG kits since the project’s early phase began in February.
For decades, wood and charcoal have dominated Rwanda’s energy mix, making up nearly 80 percent of total household consumption. This heavy dependence has contributed to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and health complications, especially among women and children who spend hours cooking over smoky fires.
“This partnership aims to reduce dependence on biomass by providing access to modern, cleaner cooking solutions. It will also mitigate indoor air pollution, improve health outcomes, and support the economic development of low-income households,” Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure said in a statement.
The Ministry emphasized that the initiative also aligns with Rwanda’s national goal to eliminate firewood use in schools by 2032, reflecting a broader effort to transition to renewable and sustainable energy systems.
At the heart of the project is innovation and inclusion. The LPG kits come with smart valves that allow for digital tracking and controlled usage, part of a wider effort to use technology to tackle climate challenges.
Bboxx, the implementing company, is no stranger to pioneering energy access in Africa. Known for its solar home systems and smart distribution networks.
“By using smart technology and flexible payment systems, we are breaking barriers to clean cooking adoption. This partnership proves that sustainability and inclusivity can go hand in hand,” a Bboxx representative said.
Beyond the environmental and social benefits, the project is designed to generate carbon credits, tradable permits that represent reduced emissions. Rwanda plans to reinvest proceeds from these credits into expanding future clean cooking projects, reinforcing its long-term vision for a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient future.
According to Rwanda’s National Institute of Statistics, households using clean cooking energy have grown from 1 percent in 2017 to 5 percent in 2024, with urban adoption now at 17 percent. Rural adoption remains low, with just 1 percent, but initiatives like this could change that trajectory.
For Kigali residents like Clarisse Uwimana, one of the early beneficiaries, the change is more than just about convenience.
“I used to spend hours collecting firewood and struggling with smoke. Now, cooking is faster, cleaner, and safer for my children,” she said.
As Rwanda continues to lead in green innovation, this partnership serves as a model for how African and Gulf nations can collaborate to advance climate resilience through practical,
