Bioethanol: A sustainable solution for clean cooking transition in Africa

Bioethanol is rapidly emerging as a promising alternative to traditional biomass fuels such as wood and charcoal, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Derived from renewable feedstocks like cassava, sugarcane and maize, bioethanol offers a pathway to reducing household air pollution, mitigating deforestation, slowing climate change and fostering economic growth. As countries in the region strive to improve energy access, bioethanol could play a critical role in advancing clean cooking solutions and supporting broader energy transitions.

In a recent webinar hosted by the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP), experts discussed the potential of bioethanol to provide clean cooking access, particularly in regions with limited reliable cooking fuel options. The webinar highlighted successful policy frameworks and investments in countries like Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, where bioethanol is gaining traction as part of national energy strategies.

Bioethanol's growing role in clean cooking

Rwanda and Uganda have set ambitious clean cooking targets. Rwanda aims for universal access to clean cooking by 2030, while Uganda is working toward 50 percent clean cooking access by 2040. 

To support this goal, the Rwandan government has implemented policy incentives, including tax exemptions for bioethanol fuel and feedstocks, as well as quality and safety standards for ethanol stoves and fuel.

These measures have attracted major private sector investments, most notably from KOKO Networks, which, after establishing operations in Kenya, is now expanding into Rwanda. The company plans to explore local ethanol production once its customer base reaches 200,000 households by year-end.

Uganda, meanwhile, is advancing its bioethanol sector for cooking and transportation. The government has waived value-added tax (VAT) on bioethanol and ethanol stove components and local production has already begun. Uganda’s National Integrated Clean Cooking Strategy prioritizes bioethanol alongside liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electric cooking, with a focus on urban, rural and humanitarian settings.

Challenges to bioethanol adoption

Despite its potential, the widespread adoption of bioethanol faces significant challenges, including high production costs, feedstock price volatility, infrastructure gaps and food security concerns.

Constance Miller, GBEP Deputy Coordinator, shared insights from GBEP’s national multistakeholder workshops in Rwanda and Uganda and highlighted the need for sustainability assessments to ensure bioethanol production does not compete with food crops.

Strategies such as using marginal lands and agricultural residues could help prevent conflicts with food security, while expanding supply chains and infrastructure will be critical for ensuring widespread access.

She also emphasized the importance of coordinated national policies, clear safety regulations and financial incentives to encourage market growth. Consumer awareness campaigns, technical training and financing mechanisms could also help in lowering consumer costs and supporting market growth.

Rwanda and Uganda have both requested further research on the sustainable production potential of bioenergy in the countries, with Rwanda looking to focus on agricultural wastes and residues, whilst Uganda is wishing to investigate potential of bioethanol from cassava, sugarcane and maize; and GBEP is seeking additional funding for these efforts. While momentum is growing, long-term sustainability will require continued investment, policy support and stakeholder collaboration.

Giraffe Bioenergy: A model for sustainable bioethanol production in Kenya

In Kenya, Giraffe Bioenergy is making strides in bioethanol production by harnessing the potential of cassava grown on the country’s semi-arid marginal lands. Led by Dr. Linda Davis, Giraffe Bioenergy is tackling food and fuel insecurity by producing bioethanol while empowering rural communities, especially women, through sustainable agriculture and job creation.

“We are not just producing ethanol; we are restoring degraded land, creating jobs and ensuring clean cooking fuel is accessible and affordable for millions of Kenyans,” said Davis. 

Giraffe Bioenergy has also established the Centre for Cassava Excellence in Kilifi County, focusing on drought-resistant cassava research and rapid seedling multiplication. 

By 2026, Giraffe Bioenergy aims to construct a 15-million-litre biorefinery, supported by 3,000 hectares of cassava farmland. Locally produced ethanol will eliminate import tariffs and freight costs, making clean fuel more affordable for Kenyan households. 

Giraffe Bioenergy’s mission aligns with Kenya’s Ethanol Master Plan 2021 and National Clean Cooking Transition Strategy 2024, which aim for 30 percent of households to transition to ethanol by 2030. However, legislative support is still needed to approve new cassava varieties and implement tax incentives for biorefinery infrastructure. 

Davis underscored the need for greater investment and collaboration to accelerate bioethanol adoption. “By scaling cassava-based ethanol production, we have the potential to create over 350,000 jobs, enhance food security and reduce reliance on fuels like charcoal,” she said.

As countries across Africa work toward their clean energy and cooking targets, bioethanol offers a promising and sustainable solution. By supporting local production, creating enabling policies and fostering multisectoral collaboration, bioethanol could help millions of people access cleaner, more affordable cooking fuels, while also contributing to economic development and climate change mitigation.

To learn more about how bioethanol is driving the clean cooking transition in Africa, watch the full webinar recording: