The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) has launched a new Challenge Programme aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric cooking (eCooking) solutions across Africa. This initiative seeks to reduce harmful air pollution, mitigate climate change impacts, and unlock new economic and social opportunities through the advancement of clean energy technologies. Background and Rationale The residential energy sector is a leading contributor to black carbon emissions, accounting for nearly half of anthropogenic output worldwide. These emissions result from the widespread use of traditional cooking fuels—such as firewood, charcoal, coal, and agricultural residues—which release fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon during incomplete combustion. Currently, more than 2.1 billion people, almost one-third of the global population, rely on open fires or traditional stoves for cooking. This dependence exposes households, particularly women and children, to hazardous smoke that contributes to over 3.2 million premature deaths each year. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 and black carbon is associated with serious health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), eye disorders, and pregnancy complications. Beyond human health, black carbon significantly exacerbates climate change, disrupts rainfall patterns, and accelerates the melting of glaciers. In Africa, its deposition on ecosystems harms soil fertility, water availability, and biodiversity, ultimately compounding the continent’s vulnerability to climate shocks and food insecurity. The Opportunity for eCooking Transitioning to electric cooking (eCooking) represents a powerful and sustainable solution to these challenges. eCooking supports Africa’s broader just energy transition by leveraging the continent’s renewable energy potential while reducing dependence on polluting fuels. With more than half of biomass-dependent households already connected to the electricity grid, scaling eCooking adoption offers a practical and immediate opportunity for transformation. However, significant barriers remain. Challenges related to grid reliability, affordability of appliances, financing mechanisms, and cultural acceptance continue to limit progress. The CCAC Challenge Programme addresses these issues directly by supporting innovative, scalable, and inclusive projects that strengthen the eCooking ecosystem across Africa. Programme Focus Areas The Challenge Programme encourages proposals that respond to at least three of the following thematic focus areas while demonstrating measurable health, climate, and social impact: Locally Appropriate eCooking TechnologiesProjects should design, adapt, or validate electric cooking appliances suited to African contexts. This includes devices that align with local culinary traditions—such as multi-pot and high-heat cooking—while ensuring cultural relevance, reliability, and affordability. Local production and innovation are encouraged to enhance economic participation. Energy Access Planning and Infrastructure IntegrationProposals should strengthen energy planning to expand reliable and affordable electricity access for eCooking. This may involve grid reinforcement, mini- and micro-grid solutions, or standalone off-grid systems tailored to diverse rural and urban contexts. Financial Inclusion and Affordability ModelsApplicants are encouraged to propose innovative financing solutions, including pay-as-you-go models, microloans, subsidies, or carbon finance mechanisms that make eCooking more accessible, particularly for women-led households and small enterprises. Women’s Empowerment and Behavior ChangeProposals should advance gender equality through women’s participation in the clean cooking value chain and support behavioral change initiatives that promote community acceptance of eCooking solutions. Eligibility and Application Requirements To qualify, proposals must meet the following criteria: Activities must take place in ODA-eligible African countries. Proposals must respond to at least three of the focus areas listed above. Applications must be submitted by a consortium of at least two organizations, including at least one local or national partner. Projects should be innovative, collaborative, and scalable, with a clear emissions reduction methodology. Duration must be less than 24 months and within the programme’s budget range. Projects must comply with CCAC gender criteria. Only non-profit entities—including NGOs, IGOs, and government institutions—are eligible to receive direct funding. Private sector entities are encouraged to participate as collaborators, co-funders, or technical partners when their involvement is crucial to project success. Application Process The Challenge follows a two-step process: Concept Note SubmissionApplicants must complete the Challenge Programme Concept Note and upload it, along with any supporting documents, through the official Google Form. Full Proposal DevelopmentShortlisted applicants will be invited to submit detailed project proposals and budgets for review by the CCAC Secretariat and technical experts. The final selection will be made by the CCAC Board. Applications must be submitted before 12 December 2025. Successful projects will be announced in Q1 2026. Expected Outcomes and Impact The Challenge Programme aims to accelerate the development of innovative business models, strengthen regional partnerships, and build technical and institutional capacity to scale eCooking across Africa. By promoting local innovation, improving access to financing, and fostering gender-inclusive participation, the initiative seeks to reduce black carbon emissions, improve health outcomes, and contribute to sustainable development. Projects supported under this Challenge are expected to deliver tangible climate and health benefits, while catalyzing investment and policy action to expand clean cooking access for millions across the continent. Timeline and Key Details Closing date: 12 December 2025 Estimated project cost: Up to USD 2 million Funding available: Non-profit entities only Announcement of successful projects: Q1 2026 VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the official organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.