• Pilot targets 10,000 households, reducing reliance on wood fuels

• Country aims 25% clean cooking access by 2030

The Sierra Leonean government and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday launched the regional “ECOWAS LPG 20/20” initiative in Freetown, aimed at promoting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a cleaner and safer cooking solution.

ECOWAS LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG 20/20) INITIATIVE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN SIERRA LEONE

The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), officially launched the ECOWAS LPG 20/20 Initiative on 28 April 2026 in… pic.twitter.com/FAqI3MucL5

— Ecowas - Cedeao (@ecowas_cedeao) May 4, 2026

In its pilot phase, the program will support up to 10,000 households in switching to LPG-based cooking. It aims to reduce health risks linked to wood and charcoal use, ease pressure on forest resources and improve living conditions.

The initiative also seeks to attract private investment, strengthen industry standards and develop supply chains to make LPG more accessible and affordable nationwide.

A National Strategy Backed by Structural Reforms

Sierra Leone remains heavily reliant on traditional fuels. Fewer than 2% of households use modern cooking solutions, while more than 98% depend on firewood or charcoal, with major health and environmental impacts.

To address this, authorities adopted the National Clean Cooking Strategy 2025–2035. Led by the Ministry of Energy with support from the World Bank and other partners, the strategy focuses on five priorities: improving affordability through subsidies, raising awareness, supporting sector operators, establishing safety and quality standards, and strengthening institutional coordination.

The 2026 Finance Law also introduces fiscal reforms, eliminating customs duties on several clean cooking products, including LPG cylinders and fuels, improved cookstoves and certain solar equipment. The measure aims to reduce costs for households while supporting the growth of a domestic clean energy market.

Under its National Energy Compact, Sierra Leone aims to increase access to clean cooking solutions from 1.5% to 25% of the population by 2030, positioning the country among West African countries seeking to transform their domestic energy systems.

Charlène N’dimon