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Liberia: Hope Restored as Arthington Celebrates Upgraded Clinic and New Maternal Waiting Home

Source: APO


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With support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Ministry of Health officially received the newly renovated and expanded Arthington Clinic on Friday, along with a freshly constructed Maternal Waiting Home and several additional improvements at the facility.

The ceremony brought together county health authorities, community leaders, religious leaders, partners, and residents who celebrated the transformation of the health center, an upgrade expected to significantly improve healthcare delivery for mothers, children, and the broader Arthington community.

Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, praised the renovation and the new maternal waiting home as timely interventions that align with the Ministry’s priorities of reducing maternal and neonatal deaths. She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all health facilities across the country meet minimum quality standards and deliver patient-centered care.

Speaking on behalf of the County Health Officer, Mr. Joseph Peters, County Health Team Administrator, provided an overview of the initiative. He noted that the renovation and expansion were made possible through the generous support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose humanitarian arm continues to invest in strengthening community health systems in Liberia. Mr. Peters emphasized that the upgraded facility reflects the county’s commitment to ensuring better healthcare access for residents, especially pregnant women and children in remote communities.

Elder and Sister Haddock, representing the Church, highlighted the Church’s belief in serving humanity and expressed their satisfaction that the partnership is helping to save lives and bring comfort to families in Arthington. They reaffirmed the Church’s willingness to continue supporting health initiatives across Montserrado County.

In special remarks, the 1st Counsellor of the Africa West Area Presidency of the Latter-day Saints, Elder & Sister Adeyinka Ayodeji Ojediran, commended the collaborative effort that brought the project to reality. Elder Ojediran encouraged community members to take ownership of the facility, utilize it fully, and work collectively to maintain it for future generations.

The event also featured community testimonies, including an emotional reflection from Patience, an eight-month pregnant resident of Arthington. She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and the Latter-day Saints, describing the new maternal waiting home as a “blessing” that will make childbirth safer and more dignified for women in the community.

“I feel happy and hopeful,” she shared. “This place will help many of us who used to worry about long distances and unsafe conditions when it’s time to give birth.”

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic ribbon cutting, the turning over of a key, and a guided tour of the upgraded facility, marking a new chapter in healthcare delivery for the people of Arthington and the surrounding towns.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.

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G20: JMPD announces closure of R28 

Source: Government of South Africa

G20: JMPD announces closure of R28 

With the G20 Leaders’ Summit currently underway, law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring critical transport routes across the City of Johannesburg and surrounding areas and have announced the closure of the R28 northbound.

“This increased visibility is in response to heavy convoy movements heading towards the Nasrec precinct. Motorists are advised that rolling road closures are in place today to facilitate these movements, and residual congestion may still be present on affected routes,” the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) said on Saturday.

In a statement, the JMPD has warned motorists of a major multi-vehicle accident that has occurred on the R28 in Krugersdorp, in the vicinity of the N14 and Hendrick Potgieter intersection. 

“Due to the severity of this incident, the R28 Northbound is completely closed to traffic until further notice. Emergency services are on the scene. Motorists are urged to avoid the R28 Krugersdorp area immediately and seek alternative routes. Expect significant delays surrounding the accident scene,” it said.

It further urged road users to exercise extreme caution, maintain safe following distances, and remain patient, as traffic volumes are expected to remain high throughout the region. 

In an interview earlier, South African Police Service national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said law enforcement is on high alert and ready to ensure the safe, smooth and secure running of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

READ | Law enforcement on high guard as dignitaries pour in for G20 Leaders’ Summit

The summit – a historic, first of its kind for the African continent – is being held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, from today until Sunday. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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SA seals key agricultural trade deal with Vietnam

Source: Government of South Africa

SA seals key agricultural trade deal with Vietnam

South Africa’s agricultural sector has achieved a major diplomatic and trade milestone, following the finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a move expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation and unlock new opportunities for South African producers in one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

The agreement was signed by Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep, on Friday, ahead of the official opening on G20 Leaders’ Summit.

It lays the foundation for expanded collaboration in crop production, plant protection, animal husbandry, veterinary services, research and development, technology transfer, and agricultural trade.

The MoU’s finalisation comes just three weeks after Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen’s visit to Vietnam – which took place during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit. It also aligns with President Ramaphosa’s directive to all Ministers to move swiftly and decisively in expanding South Africa’s access to export markets.

Steenhuisen highlighted that at its heart, the partnership is built on trust and a shared ambition to strengthen sustainable agricultural systems that deliver economic growth and deepen the warm ties between our countries.

“This agreement strengthens our strategic presence in Asia and supports our mission to broaden market access for South African producers,” Steenhuisen said.

A win for South African producers

The Minister emphasised that the MoU is grounded in tangible progress, noting that they are building on real results.

“Our high-quality oranges have found a loyal and growing audience in Vietnam, where consumers recognise the value of South African produce,” he said.

Vietnam opened its market to South African oranges in May 2024 after the successful conclusion of a bilateral protocol.

In the 2024 season, South Africa exported 53 311 fifteen-kilogram cartons of oranges to Vietnam. In 2025, that figure rose sharply to 209 569 cartons, representing a fourfold increase.

“This growth is a powerful vote of confidence in our exports. It reinforces South Africa’s position as the world’s second-largest citrus exporter and highlights the strong appetite in Asia that our farmers are ready to serve,” the Minister said.

Following the success of oranges, the Minister said South Africa is now pushing for greater access for other citrus products, especially mandarins.

He said with Vietnam’s annual agricultural import market valued at more than 30 billion US dollars, and South Africa’s current exports of edible fruits and nuts valued at around 54 million dollars, the potential for expansion is immense.

“The MoU is designed to accelerate this growth by strengthening cooperation, fast-tracking market penetration and supporting South Africa’s ambition to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in new agricultural export revenue. Such gains will flow directly into rural communities through job creation, increased income, and more resilient local economies.”

South Africa already exports maize, apples, pears and grapes to Vietnam, and the expanded cooperation framework is expected to increase volumes across these categories.

The Minister said work is also underway to secure access for high-value niche products, such as game meat, which will further diversify South Africa’s export basket.

“Ultimately, strengthening ties with Vietnam supports South Africa’s broader objective of deepening access to the Southeast Asian region. As a stable and strategically positioned economy, Vietnam offers a valuable gateway for South African producers seeking to expand in Asia’s dynamic markets,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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G20 Leaders’ Summit declaration ‘revolutionary’ for Africa, Global South

Source: Government of South Africa

G20 Leaders’ Summit declaration ‘revolutionary’ for Africa, Global South

“The world is here, the African continent is here, [global] institutions are here. Multilateralism has been affirmed. The multi-polar world is in real action.”

These were the words of Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, following the announcement that the G20 Leaders’ Summit has adopted a declaration.

The Minister spoke to the media on the sidelines of the first day of the two-day Leaders’ Summit on Saturday. 

The historical summit – held on the African continent for the first time – is being held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

“We see this as a platform that affirms multilateralism. Multilateralism has served the world very well since the second world war and this platform is affirming that,” Lamola said.

He noted that the venue chosen to host the summit is symbolic of South Africa’s aims to build a world of mutual cooperation.

“We are glad that we are talking about a number of issues to bridge between the Global South and the Global North. Is it not ironic that we have placed it here in Soweto…which used to be a black township [and] on my right is Joburg North which used to be an only white area. 

“We have brought everyone here to say that this is the bridge that the global north and south must breach so that all of us can work together for the best and for the benefit of humanity,” he noted.

On the declaration itself, particularly on digital transformation and artificial intelligence, the Minister said it is a pivotal step for Africa.

“On the African continent, very few content creators get any resources…TikTok, Apple and so forth. But this G20 speaks about how the African continent must not just be a consumer of artificial intelligence but it must be at the source of innovation, research, data centres and all those platforms.

“So, this is very key also for young people of this continent…this being a youthful continent. This G20 will revolutionarise how the African continent participates in the global economy.

“We are really glad as the South African government that finally… [the G20 Presidency] has culminated into a progressive declaration…that will revolutionarise how the global south participates and plays in the global economy,” Lamola remarked.

This as Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya earlier confirmed that the leaders of the G20 have reached a consensus for a G20 Leaders’ Summit declaration to be adopted.

READ | G20 Leaders’ Summit adopts declaration

“[The declaration] has been adopted by the leaders here at the summit. We were edging closer and closer to that unanimous adoption and now we have a summit declaration adopted,” said Magwenya.

In his opening address at the Summit earlier, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil must reflect the aspirations of both the continent and the wider global community.
READ | G20 must reflect aspirations of Africa and the world 

–SAnews.gov.za

 

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G20 Leaders’ Summit adopts declaration

Source: Government of South Africa

G20 Leaders’ Summit adopts declaration

Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has confirmed that the leaders of the G20 have reached a consensus for a G20 Leaders’ Summit declaration to be adopted.

Magwenya was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held at the Nasrec Expo Centre, in Johannesburg.

“[The declaration] has been adopted by the leaders here at the summit. We were edging closer and closer to that unanimous adoption and now we have a summit declaration adopted.

“There was a slight change in the programme. Normally the adoption happens right at the end but throughout the day yesterday, during various bilateral talks, there was a sense that we should actually move to have the summit declaration adopted first as a first order of the day and then proceed with the rest of the day,” he said.

The spokesperson explained some of the elements within the declaration particularly as it relates to conflicts across the world.

“What the declaration does, it affirms the centrality of the UN Charter with respect to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and avoiding the use of force in resolving the issues of dispute.

“The declaration highlights, in particular, the four of the gravest conflicts in the world namely: the DRC, Sudan, Ukraine and Palestine.

Facing questions on the absence of the USA, Magwenya highlighted that government has communicated that it will not do the symbolic handover the G20 Presidency gavel to a “junior official”.

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the USA would send a Charge’ d’ Affaires – an embassy official – to recognise the handover.

“We have communicated that officially [and] we have communicated that publicly. It has never been done before and it’s not going to happen and start now with South Africa.

“The President will not handover to a junior embassy official. It’s a breach of protocol that is not going to be accommodated or allowed in this instance.

“It is a position of principle. America chose to boycott the summit. That is their choice and that’s their prerogative to do so. But what cannot happen is a breach of protocol being forced,” he said.

The spokesperson affirmed South Africa’s commitment to engaging with countries.

“We are a sovereign country. We will always engage with other countries in a respectful and considerate manner as we have always done particularly with the US considering all the challenges that we’ve faced in trying to reset that relationship.

“However, one must also give consideration that you have more than one country. It’s the G20, plus the [African Union], plus the [European Union] therefore we can’t just bend the rules for one country. We need to respect the countries who have been part of the process, who’ve worked tirelessly to make sure that this G20 is a success that it is now.

“We need to move forward,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za

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G20 must reflect aspirations of Africa and the world 

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil must reflect the aspirations of both the continent and the wider global community.

Opening the two-day gathering at Johannesburg’s Nasrec Expo Centre on Saturday, the President noted that while the G20 once focused mainly on macroeconomic issues, it now tackles a broad range of priorities including trade, sustainable development, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, energy and climate change.

In his address this morning, the President said G20 countries understand that progress on all of these issues is a necessary condition for strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.

“Through solidarity, we can create an inclusive future that advances the interests of people around the world who are at the greatest risk of being left behind. This is important in an interconnected world, where the challenges faced by one nation affect all nations,” President Ramaphosa said.

He further told those attending the gathering that by promoting equality, they strive to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals and nations. 

“It is essential that we break down divisions of economic status, gender, race and geography. Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

“We seek stability because it attracts investment, improves planning and reduces the risk of global economic shocks. And we prioritise inclusive and vibrant markets because they drive innovation and efficiency.

“Thriving economies lift people out of poverty, encourage greater investment and trade, and generate the revenue needed to invest in public goods,” he said.

Impact and multilateralism 

The President urged the leaders to make greater and faster progress towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.  

“We must continue the reform of the international financial architecture, ensuring that institutions are strengthened, are more inclusive and are equipped to meet the challenges both of the present and the future.

He said that the G20 needs to renew its efforts to advance debt sustainability, with a particular emphasis on African countries and that there must a mobilisation of finance for a just energy transition, increasing the quality and quantity of climate finance flows to developing economy countries. 

He said the first Leaders’ Summit “carries the hopes, and must reflect the aspirations, of the people of this continent and of the world.”

“We should not allow anything to diminish the value, the stature or the impact of the first African G20 Presidency. This G20 Leaders’ Summit has a responsibility not to allow the integrity and the credibility of the G20 to be weakened,” he said.

The President thanked all the delegations that have worked together with South Africa in good faith to produce a worthy G20 outcome document for this historic leaders’ meeting.
He added that the G20 underscores the value and relevance of multilateralism while also a sending a message of hope.

“It recognises that the challenges we all face can only be resolved through cooperation, collaboration and partnership. The adoption of the declaration from the summit sends an important signal to the world that multilateralism can and does deliver.

“It sends a message of hope and solidarity,” he said. SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa underscores SA’s commitment and responsibility as G20 President

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa told delegates attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit that South Africa understands the responsibility of being entrusted with the Presidency of the G20.

“In the execution of its task as the President of the G20, South Africa has throughout the past year – through its stewardship of some 130 meetings in various parts of South Africa, in other countries on the African continent and beyond our shores – sought to undertake this task with care and diligence,” President Ramaphosa said.

In his opening remarks at the G20 Leaders’ Summit, on Saturday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa is deeply aware of the profound responsibility that membership of the community of nations places upon South Africa.

South Africa is hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’.

“We have sought at all times to preserve the integrity and stature of the G20, a premier forum of international economic cooperation,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa told the delegates that the deliberations of the G20 have an impact on the lives of all members of the global community.

“From its initial focus on broad macroeconomic issues, the G20 is now engaged on matters such as trade, sustainable development, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, energy, environment and climate change, among others.

“As the G20 countries, we understand that progress on each and all of these issues is a necessary condition for strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.

“In pursuit of, and in conformity with, the founding mission of the G20, South Africa adopted the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’ for its G20 Presidency,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa said through solidarity, the G20 can create an inclusive future that advances the interests of people around the world who are at the greatest risk of being left behind.

“This is important in an interconnected world, where the challenges faced by one nation affect all nations. By promoting equality, we strive to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals and nations.

“The disparities in wealth and development within and between countries is not only unjust and unsustainable. It is also one of the greatest impediments to sustainable growth,” the President said.

The President pointed out that it is essential that the G20 break down divisions of economic status, gender, race and geography.

“Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” the President said.

The President told the delegates that as a founding member of the G20, South Africa has sought to ensure that the development priorities of the Global South and the African continent find expression firmly and permanently on the agenda of the G20.

“This is important not only for the people of Africa and the Global South. It is vital for global stability and security, alleviating resource pressures, managing population movements and reducing the risk of conflict. 

“We seek stability because it attracts investment, improves planning and reduces the risk of global economic shocks. And we prioritise inclusive and vibrant markets because they drive innovation and efficiency,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said thriving economies lift people out of poverty, encourage greater investment and trade, and generate the revenue needed to invest in public goods.

“It is therefore essential that we make greater and faster progress towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,” he said, adding that the G20 must continue the reform of the international financial architecture, ensuring that institutions are strengthened, are more inclusive and are equipped to meet the challenges both of the present and the future.    

South Africa is the first African country to host the G20 Summit. South Africa assumed the year-long G20 Presidency in December 2024, becoming the first African state to host the prestigious global forum.

Since taking over the reigns as the President of the G20, South Africa has hosted 130 preparatory meetings which were incident free and used the opportunity to showcase the diversity of our provinces and tourism destinations. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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G20 Leaders arrive to warm welcome at Nasrec Expo Centre

Source: Government of South Africa

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Deputy President Paul Mashatile and several Cabinet ministers arrived early this morning at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg to welcome G20 leaders attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which officially opened at 10am today and ends tomorrow.

Some G20 leaders arrived in South Africa during the week, while others touched down last night. Only a few delegations are expected to arrive this morning.

South Africa is the first African country to host the G20 Summit, having assumed the year-long G20 Presidency in December 2024. The country is hosting the global forum under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”

Earlier this month, Cabinet expressed its full confidence in South Africa’s ability to host a successful G20 Leaders’ Summit.

 Since taking over the reigns as the President of the G20, the country has convened 130 incident-free preparatory meetings, showcasing the diversity of its provinces and tourism destinations.

At the media centre housed at the Summit’s venue, it’s a hive of activity with journalists preparing themselves to cover the Summit from the centre while others are conducting interviews with ministers and senior government officials.

 Outside the venue, police are directing arriving vehicles and conducting thorough inspections as part of heightened security measures.

Security around the Nasrec Expo Centre has been significantly tightened, with multiple road closures in the surrounding area. 

Earlier this week, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) reaffirmed the country’s readiness to ensure the safety of delegates and the public during the Summit.

NATJOINTS confirmed that while a soft lockdown is currently in place around the venue, a hard lockdown will be enforced from Friday, 21 November to Monday, 24 November 2025 in the vicinity of the FNB Stadium, which is housing the accreditation centre and the Nasrec Expo Conference centre, which is hosting dignitaries and delegates.

According to NATJOINTS, the hard lockdown means that only individuals with valid accreditation will be permitted in and around the precinct. All vehicles arriving at the venue and in the vicinity are undergoing stringent security checks before being allowed to enter the premises. – SAnews.gov.za

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Law enforcement on high guard as dignitaries pour in for G20 Leaders’ Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

Law enforcement is on high alert and ready to ensure the safe, smooth and secure running of the G20 Leaders’ Summit commencing at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg today.

This, according to South African Police Service national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, who spoke to SAnews at the centre just ahead of the summit.

Thousands of people, including heads of state and government, their entourages, delegates and the media are gathering at the global gathering.

“We are quite confident of the security measures that we’ve put in place to ensure that this event takes place in a safe and secure environment…a lot of planning and coordination. But now it’s time for execution and we are quite confident that we will ensure the smooth running of this two-day G20 Leaders’ Summit.

“We have been meeting regularly as the security cluster…and looking at our track record, we have no doubt that this event will take place in a very peaceful environment,” Mathe said.

The spokesperson reminded South Africans of SAPS’ track record of keeping gatherings of this magnitude safe.

She added assurance that regular policing continues where citizens live.

“NATJOINTS has been at the forefront of ensuring that events of this magnitude take place in a very secure environment. We’ve held the BRICS Summit, AGOA conference and the 2010 World Cup and all those events took place in a very secure environment and thanks to our law enforcement agencies who are on the ground doing what is expected of them…to enforce the law.

“Citizens need not worry. We are still having members at the police stations. Our members are still working and any victim of crime, any complaint, you will be taken care of at the police station. Officers at the stations are still working to keep you safe,” she said.

The centre and surrounding areas have been earmarked as red zones only accessible by accreditation.

“If you are not in possession of a valid accreditation card then you cannot be in this vicinity because there’s heightened police operations [and] security is tight.

“We have declared this area as a vehicle-free zone. Meaning that we have implemented a park and ride system. At the park and ride, you get a screening point with police officers where we verify your accreditation card and check for prohibited items,” she told SAnews.

Speakers’ corners have been made for those who have applied to protest at the event. 

These areas will also be under police guard – ensuring that South Africans can exercise their right to protest under a safe environment.

However, those who step outside of the bounds of the law will be dealt with.

“We are warning those who want to test our security measures that we are not going to allow any lawlessness. We are not going to allow any criminality. We are here to stamp the authority of the state.

“We are not going to allow any disruptions. Any testing of security measures and you’ll find yourself on the wrong side and we will not hesitate to deal decisively with that ill-discipline,” Mathe warned.

South Africans are urged to take heed of road closures and traffic control during the weekend.

“We request and urge the people of South Africa, in the true spirit of ubuntu, to cooperate with law enforcement. It’s just for a short period of time where there will be traffic disruptions and traffic congestions and not being able to use certain roads.

“Let us show our international visitors the true spirit of ubuntu. Let us stand together to ensure the successful hosting of this particular event,” Mathe concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Africa’s Clean-Cooking Drive Hinges on Carbon-Credit Reform, Transport Upgrades

Source: APO – Report:

Africa’s long-delayed transition to clean cooking will fail without a serious overhaul of how the continent finances, transports and regulates LPG, senior executives said during a high-level panel on clean cooking and LPG at the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum in Johannesburg on Friday. 

Speakers pointed to a rare alignment of political support – following G20 endorsement of clean cooking as a priority area – but warned that critical infrastructure gaps and a broken financing ecosystem are slowing progress. 

South Africa’s LPG demand sits “just below 500,000 metric tons,” yet supply remains constrained due to offline refineries and a fragmented transport network, said Sesakho Magadla, Acting CEO of PetroSA. Getting refineries operational again – including PetroSA’s Gas-to-Liquids refinery in Mossel Bay – is “a priority,” she noted, adding that the company aims to mobilize by 2026 to relieve pressure on the domestic market. 

But infrastructure extends beyond production. PetroSA is now examining rail improvements – particularly linking Saldanha Bay to Mozambique – to ease congestion and move LPG at scale. It requires “collaboration beyond the energy sector,” Magadla noted, “so that when the rail is operational, you can connect the existing fragmented transportation network and move the product.” 

Private-sector operators echoed the call for major transport reform. Tamsin Rankin Donaldson, Head of Marketing and Communications at Petredec, said poor logistics and limited terminal capacity add “a 10–20% premium” to LPG costs because companies are forced to “bring smaller parcels through smaller terminals.” Africa urgently needs “infrastructure that allows us to bring in higher volumes,” including terminals capable of receiving Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs), she said. 

Petredec is currently constructing the Tanga LPG terminal in Tanzania and exploring a rail link from Richards Bay to inland markets in South Africa. Her biggest policy request was clear: governments must prioritize “streamlining permitting processes” to accelerate project timelines. 

While infrastructure determines affordability, financing determines whether projects move from concept to construction. “The green finance mechanism is underused,” said Titus Mathe, CEO of the South African National Energy Development Institute, who said that investors lack the data they need to quantify emissions reductions and energy savings from clean-cooking interventions. “When you think of clean cooking and LPG, the biggest challenge is data.” 

He called for a unified Africa-wide clean-cooking data platform and proposed creating an LPG clean-cooking financing facility backed by the AU, G20 and global institutions “so that LPG projects across Africa can be accelerated to reach last-mile users.” 

The lack of emissions-credit pathways also dominated the discussion. According to the International Energy Agency, Africa requires $37 billion to achieve universal clean-cooking access by 2030, yet the current carbon-credit framework offers little support for LPG-based solutions. 

“We have to put carbon credits as part of the LPG discussion,” said Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners & Distributors Association. Clean cookstoves qualify for credits, but LPG does not – disadvantaging the very solution most capable of rapid scale-up. 

“The parts of Africa like Kenya that have accelerated LPG uptake have used subsidies, but that is not sustainable,” Kragha said. Unlocking climate finance for LPG could help replace subsidies with market-driven growth. 

For financiers, regulatory clarity is paramount. “If I’m a financier, I want to see clarity of regulation and project preparation,” Kragha said, adding that Africa must also attract a competitive workforce to implement projects at the necessary pace. 

Rankin Donaldson underscored the scale of the challenge: achieving universal clean-cooking access by 2040 requires 80 million new connections every year – “seven times the pace we’re currently doing.”  

Without rapid investment in transport networks, permitting reform and a carbon-credit framework that recognizes LPG’s climate benefits, speakers warned that Africa risks missing a once-in-a-generation window to deliver clean, affordable cooking energy. 

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files

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