Rockefeller Foundation Pledges $10.9 Million for Clean Energy Projects in Africa

The Rockefeller Foundation has announced a $10.9 million investment to support clean energy projects across Africa. The pledge, made during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, focuses on African-led initiatives to address energy needs while promoting environmental sustainability.

Part of this investment includes $2.1 million for the African Energy Futures Initiative, which aims to develop energy transition solutions tailored for Africa. Another $3 million will go to the African School of Regulation to strengthen policies needed for better energy management. In Kenya, $400,000 has been set aside to create a Clean Cooking Delivery Unit to promote cleaner cooking methods and reduce reliance on traditional fuels that harm health.

Improving off-grid solar power access is also a priority, with $300,000 directed towards integrating these solutions into the electrification strategies of 24 countries. The largest portion of the funding, $5 million, will support Zambia’s project to install over 1,000 mini-grids in rural areas, providing reliable electricity and boosting local economies.

The initiative comes at a critical time, as roughly 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack electricity. The Rockefeller Foundation highlights the “Green Power Gap,” an estimated shortfall of 8,700 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable energy needed by 2050 to meet global development and climate goals.

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This funding is part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts through the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). The alliance aims to accelerate energy transitions in emerging markets by focusing on local solutions and encouraging collaboration between governments, private companies, and civil society.

The push for clean cooking solutions is especially important. Traditional cooking methods using solid fuels contribute to serious health problems, including respiratory illnesses. By supporting cleaner alternatives, the Rockefeller Foundation seeks to reduce health risks while protecting the environment.

Safety around new energy technologies like LPG has also been a key topic in recent discussions. The foundation’s investments aim to improve energy access while ensuring proper safety standards are in place.

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By supporting projects like mini-grids, off-grid solar power, clean cooking technologies, and better regulatory frameworks, this funding aims to address energy gaps, empower local communities, and drive sustainable development across the continent. These efforts represent a commitment to both meet Africa’s current energy needs and support long-term economic growth through clean energy solutions.