PRESS RELEASE: ARDA Sparks New Momentum to Expand Clean Cooking and LPG Access Across Africa

LUSAKA, 16 October 2025 – The African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA) has concluded its 2025 LPG Forum in Lusaka, Zambia, with fresh momentum and stronger commitments from public and private stakeholders to expand clean cooking access and accelerate LPG market growth across Africa.

Held from 14–16 October 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, this flagship ARDA event—organised in partnership with Indeni Energy, the Ministry of Energy of Zambia, and the World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA)—brought together policymakers, financiers, and industry leaders to tackle barriers and identify opportunities for scaling LPG adoption across Africa.

Discussions highlighted that Africa’s LPG penetration remains below 20%, despite strong policy momentum. Experts from the International Energy Agency (IEA), WLGA, Global LPG Partnership (GLPGP), S&P Global Platts, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and Standard Bank emphasised the need for robust infrastructure investment, policy consistency, and innovative blended financing to attract sustainable capital for LPG infrastructure and distribution.

During three days of keynote addresses and discussion panels, Zambia featured prominently as a case study for regional LPG expansion. The Ministry of Energy and Indeni Energy outlined ongoing reforms to strengthen imports, cylinder filling, and retail distribution networks, positioning the country as a potential LPG hub for Southern Africa.

Speakers also pointed out that Zambia, traditionally described as a landlocked nation, should now be seen as strategically “land-linked,” connecting markets across Southern and Central Africa. This reframing highlights Zambia’s growing potential as a logistics and energy hub supporting regional LPG trade and distribution.

During the “Cooking for Life” workshop led by the WLGA, delegates identified practical actions to grow the LPG sector safely and sustainably, aligned with global clean cooking and climate commitments ahead of COP30 and the G20 Summits in Belem, Brazil, and Johannesburg, South Africa.

In his closing remarks, ARDA Executive Secretary Anibor Kragha reaffirmed the association’s mission to work with governments, financiers, and the private sector to increase Africa’s LPG penetration to 60% by 2030. He emphasised that achieving this goal requires enhanced investment frameworks, harmonised regulations and standards, market aggregation, and strengthened regional cooperation under the AfCFTA.

About ARDA

The African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA) is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the sustainable development of Africa’s energy sector. The mission of our community is to promote collaboration among industry stakeholders, foster innovation, and drive investment to address Africa’s energy challenges. Through its work, ARDA aims to help unlock the continent’s energy potential, reduce energy poverty, and support Africa’s economic growth.

For all press enquiries, please contact: media@afrra.org

Version française de ce communiqué de presse : CLIQUER ICI