ECOWAS, Sierra Leone launch LPG 20/20 initiative to expand clean cooking access

The Government of Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has launched the ECOWAS LPG 20/20 Initiative to expand access to clean cooking energy across the country.

The launch took place on April 28, in Freetown, alongside a high-level policy dialogue on clean cooking, gender equality and child protection.

The initiative seeks to promote the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a safer and cleaner alternative to traditional household fuels such as firewood and charcoal.

In a news release issued on Monday, May 4, the regional bloc noted that the programme is expected to support the transition of up to 10,000 households to LPG use under its pilot phase.

The intervention is also designed to reduce indoor air pollution, improve public health outcomes and lessen environmental degradation linked to biomass fuel use.

It will further support the development of supply chains, standards and private sector investment to make LPG more accessible and affordable.

ECOWAS further described the initiative as a key step toward accelerating the clean energy transition and strengthening energy access for households across Sierra Leone.