The Government of Rwanda, in partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Forward7 initiative, has unveiled a major clean cooking program aimed at promoting healthier and more sustainable households across the country, the Ministry of Infrastructure announced on Wednesday.
The joint project will provide affordable Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) kits to 50,000 Rwandan households over the next 18 months, as part of efforts to reduce reliance on traditional biomass fuels such as firewood. The initiative is being implemented by Bboxx and will benefit families in Kigali, Musanze, Muhanga, Rwamagana, and Huye districts.
According to Rwanda’s national energy statistics, biomass remains the dominant source of household energy, accounting for most of the country’s total energy consumption. This dependence contributes to indoor air pollution and health challenges, particularly among women and children.
The new initiative seeks to address these issues by providing access to modern, cleaner cooking technologies. Each participating household will receive a kit comprising a two-burner stove, a 12 kg gas cylinder, and a smart pay-as-you-go valve, making clean energy both accessible and affordable for low-income families.
Officials said the project also aims to generate carbon credits, with proceeds reinvested into future clean energy programs — reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient nation.
Launched initially in Kigali in February 2025, the program has already expanded to Rwamagana and Musanze, with plans to reach the remaining districts within a year. So far, more than 6,000 households have benefited from the scheme.
Beyond distribution, Bboxx will lead community awareness campaigns to educate households on eligibility and the health and environmental benefits of clean cooking.
The Ministry of Infrastructure emphasized that the initiative aligns with Rwanda’s broader vision of promoting sustainable infrastructure and inclusive economic growth while enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
