ARDA President emphasizes LPG funding commitments must be focused on affordability and accessibility or risk being ineffective

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – October 2024: ARDA President, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has made a passionate appeal to ARDA’s international partners to prioritize funding projects that deliver maximum impact. Closing the inaugural ARDA LPG Forum 2024, he warned assembled delegates that funding commitments not focused on affordability and accessibility would risk being “a waste”.

The address by Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid brought to a close the ARDA LPG Forum 2024 which saw 3 days of dynamic discussions focused on unlocking the full potential of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) markets across Africa. Held in Abidjan, the forum brought together key players from the energy, government, and financial sectors to explore the regulatory frameworks, infrastructure needs, and financing models required to foster a thriving LPG market that supports Africa’s energy transition.

Setting the Scene

ARDA was honored to have His Excellency Mr. Koffi N’Guessan, Minister of Technical Education, Vocational Training & Apprenticeship of Côte d’Ivoire, inaugurate the forum on behalf of His Excellency Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy. In his keynote address, Minister N’Guessan highlighted the numerous benefits of expanding LPG use, particularly for cleaner cooking solutions in Africa. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but praised ARDA’s leadership and initiatives to drive progress.

Anibor Kragha, ARDA Executive Secretary underlined how LPG aligns with ARDA’s vision for Africa’s energy transition. Mr Kragha pointed out that LPG is critical for reducing carbon emissions while ensuring energy access for millions, particularly in households dependent on harmful traditional biomass fuels. He also detailed the steps ARDA is taking to accelerate LPG adoption across the continent, including facilitating funding mechanisms to support market growth.

Benefits of Greater LPG Adoption

Throughout the forum, the advantages of LPG adoption for clean cooking were a major focus, with experts and panellists underlining its transformative impact on both the environment and public health. The key benefits discussed included:

• Reducing Indoor Air Pollution: Switching to LPG helps eliminate the toxic fumes produced by traditional biomass fuels, significantly lowering the risk of respiratory illnesses, especially among women and children.
• Combating Deforestation: LPG adoption helps reduce the reliance on wood and charcoal for cooking, mitigating deforestation and supporting sustainable land use.
• Improving Health: By reducing exposure to harmful smoke, LPG contributes to better health outcomes for households across Africa, helping to decrease respiratory diseases and related health complications.
• Promoting Gender Equality: Women, who are most often responsible for cooking and wood collection, benefit directly from the time and health improvements provided by LPG, enabling them to pursue education, work, and other opportunities.

The Importance of Regulation

The essential role of regulators in fostering LPG market growth across Africa was another key focus. Several speakers highlighted the need for clear policies and regulations to encourage market expansion, alongside robust safety standards to build consumer trust.

Streamlining licensing and permits was also emphasized to attract investment, along with a call to expand LPG infrastructure—specifically storage, distribution networks, and processing facilities—to ensure accessibility and affordability for communities across the continent.

LPG Adoption Success Stories Across Africa

Several case studies presented at the forum served to showcase the progress African countries are making in LPG adoption, signalling a positive trajectory for the continent’s energy transition.

• Cameroon Market Development and Master Plan: Presented by The Global LPG Partnership, this case highlighted Cameroon’s progress in expanding storage and distribution to meet its LPG Master Plan goals, though challenges remain for long-term sustainability.
• Côte d’Ivoire Success Story: PETROCI shared that Côte d’Ivoire’s LPG imports rose from 109 tonnes in 2011 to 630 tonnes in 2023, with storage capacity expanding significantly. This policy has reduced deforestation and improved air quality.
• Tanzania’s LPG Growth: Tanzania’s government-led initiatives, including reduced taxes on LPG equipment, have made LPG more affordable, boosting adoption rates and enhancing energy access across urban and rural areas.

Looking Ahead

In summing up, the Executive Secretary Anibor Kragha reiterated the need for intentionality and robust regulatory frameworks to create an enabling environment, along with comprehensive project preparation that includes ESG considerations.

The ARDA LPG Forum 2024 underscored that while Africa has made considerable strides in LPG adoption, much work remains to ensure widespread access and affordability. Regulatory frameworks, infrastructure investment, and financing are key pillars that will determine the success of LPG markets on the continent.

Delegates left the forum optimistic, with many expressing the belief that continued collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and financial institutions will pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive energy future in Africa—one in which LPG plays a vital role.

About ARDA

The African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA) is the voice of Africa’s downstream energy sector. Through its annual forums, this association provides a platform for industry stakeholders to engage, collaborate, and advance best practices for a sustainable and secure energy future.

For more information, please visit www.arda.africa or contact us at info@afrra.org

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