UNIDO Launches Technology Transfer and Accelerator for clean cooking in Madagascar
On 14 August 2025, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), launched its Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship Accelerator programme in Antananarivo, Madagascar. This initiative is expected to facilitate local investments for production of clean cooking technologies such as biodigesters, pellet plants and Micro distilleries.
Organized in collaboration with the Madagascar Clean Cooking Initiative (MCCI) and the Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons, the launch was supported by the UNIDO-OPEC Fund project on clean cooking. The programme aims to stimulate local investment and entrepreneurship in the local production of modern clean cooking technologies.
Madagascar faces a critical energy challenge, with over 98% of the population relying on solid biomass, primarily wood and charcoal, for cooking. This dependence contributes to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and significant health and socio-economic burdens, especially for women and children.
Three international technology providers, namely CIST Kenya, Biotech India and the World Bioenergy Association (WBA), joined the launch. They presented innovative technologies and business models and engaged in one-on-one consultations with local entrepreneurs exploring opportunities to adopt and scale clean cooking solutions.
Building on the momentum in Madagascar, UNIDO plans to replicate the programme in Tanzania and Burkina Faso in the near future.
