The Oil Sustainability Program of the Saudi Ministry of Energy launched the "Empowering Africa" initiative in cooperation with the Ministries of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministries of Health.
The initiative aims to provide clean energy, connectivity, e-health, and e-learning solutions to improve lives and advance sustainable development in Africa.
Empowering Africa builds on the Clean Fuel Solutions for Cooking Program, a vital Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) component.
The initiative represents a milestone in advancing sustainable development and improving the lives of millions of people. It will empower communities across Africa.
Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz said on the sidelines of the MENA Climate Week 2023 that energy is a human right, indicating that the program enables energy access.
Additional information on the program will be revealed during COP28 in Dubai.
The initiative offers solutions to vulnerable populations globally, many facing dire consequences due to traditional and hazardous cooking practices, such as coal and wood usage.
Clean cooking solutions have the potential to save countless lives by mitigating the health risks associated with these cooking fuels.
Launched in 2021 as part of the MGI, Clean Fuel Solutions for Cooking provides cleaner cooking fuels, including Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), solar power, and biodigesters, to 750 million people worldwide.
The collaborative effort among Saudi institutions underscores the Kingdom's commitment to one of its most ambitious initiatives, which will forge a brighter future for African communities, and signifies the Kingdom's steadfast commitment to addressing worldwide challenges.
It encourages public involvement and advances international regulatory collaboration to pursue a brighter, more sustainable future for all.