Accelerating Universal Access to Clean Cooking: Policy, Regulation & Market Innovation

Universal access to clean cooking remains a major development challenge, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where progress has not kept pace with population growth. Reliance on polluting fuels and technologies has significant consequences for health, gender equity and the environment.

The course examines the technical, regulatory, business and financial approaches required to accelerate clean cooking adoption. It considers existing barriers and the role of national planning, policy design, financing and implementation in delivering sustainable results.

Developed by the African School of Regulation (ASR) in collaboration with IIT-Comillas University, SEforALL, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS), the course combines conceptual learning with practical African examples.

Module 1  Situation and Challenges of Clean Cooking Access and Adoption in Africa

Review the current status of clean cooking in Africa and assess the strengths and limitations of existing technologies, regulatory approaches, business models and financing arrangements. Consider the roles of stakeholders and the difference between access and sustained adoption.

Module 2  Cooking Technologies

Compare traditional and modern cooking technologies in terms of performance, costs, supply chains, infrastructure, appliances, environmental and health impacts, and financing. Relate technology choices to policy, regulation and business models in different African contexts.

Module 3  Integrated Clean Cooking Planning Tools

Examine integrated planning as an approach to designing country-specific strategies for universal clean cooking adoption. Explore how planning tools help assess interventions, costs and financing requirements.

Module 4  Integrated Clean Cooking Planning: Tool and Case Study

Apply an integrated clean cooking planning tool to a country scenario. Explore how different policies and implementation choices affect social and economic costs through a practical case study and hands-on workshop.

Each module includes a live session (typically 9:00-11:30 AM GMT), supporting readings, expert discussion and opportunities for questions. Participants also engage through the learning platform, quizzes and applied assignments.

Live Expert-Led Learning. Participate in synchronous online sessions combining instructor presentations, panel discussions and Q&A.

Practical Planning Tools. Explore integrated clean cooking planning tools and apply them to a country scenario.

African Context and Case Studies. Examine real-world implementation challenges and regulatory, business and financing approaches.

Applied Assignments and Quizzes. Connect each week’s learning to a selected country through short assignments and self-assessment quizzes.

Peer Exchange and Support. Engage with fellow participants through discussion forums and optional office hours.

This course is designed for:

• Regulators, policymakers and officials from government ministries and agencies.
• Utilities and private-sector energy and clean cooking professionals.
• Investors, financial institutions and development organisations.
• Researchers, academics and consultants.
• Others working on clean cooking planning, policy, financing and implementation.

Fees are per participant. Confirm eligibility, discount conditions and any cancellation or refund terms before publication.

Course brochure: Download the Accelerating Universal Access to Clean Cooking: Policy, Regulation & Market Innovation brochure.

For further information, contact support@africanschoolregulation.org.