Jiko Biogas Founder, Ahmed on how to boost demand for biogas technology in Africa

In Africa, as of 2020, a staggering 80% of households still rely on traditional fuels like firewood and charcoal for cooking, highlighting the significant challenge in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7. The adoption of renewable energy, particularly biogas technology, presents a promising solution to this issue. Guled Ahmed, the founder of Jiko Biogas in Somalia, shed light on the potential of biogas to revolutionize clean cooking in Africa during an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. Currently, biogas utilization in Africa stands at a modest 5 to 10%. Ahmed emphasized that the ease of adaptation of biogas technology, coupled with its affordability compared to alternatives like LPG, makes it a viable option for the masses. By converting waste, such as food or animal byproducts, into a clean energy source, biogas not only provides a sustainable cooking solution but also produces fertilizer as a byproduct. The path to widespread adoption of biogas technology lies in government support and private sector investment. Ahmed highlighted the success stories of China and India in deploying biogas to enhance clean cooking access in rural areas. By incentivizing private industry, offering financing options, and promoting awareness through education, African nations can fast-track the transition to biogas and make significant strides towards achieving SDG7 by 2030. One of the major impediments to the expansion of biogas technology in Africa is inadequate financing for entrepreneurs. Ahmed shared his personal experience of the challenges in accessing funding for his biogas projects in Somalia. He stressed the importance of leveraging carbon credits and establishing a verification system, possibly through blockchain technology, to attract investors and facilitate financial support for biogas initiatives. Moreover, the creation of public-private partnerships (P3s) emerges as a strategic approach to accelerate the deployment of biogas technologies across the continent. By sharing costs and resources between the public and private sectors, P3s can drive innovation and investment in the biogas sector, as evidenced by the successful collaboration between Jiko Biogas and a regional government in Somalia. In conclusion, the journey towards promoting biogas technology in Africa requires a multi-faceted approach that involves government commitment, private sector engagement, and community participation. By harnessing the potential of biogas as a clean energy source and integrating it into existing market systems, African nations can pave the way for a sustainable energy future and contribute significantly towards the global agenda of achieving clean cooking access for all.