Central African Republic

Solar Cookers International (SCI) is proud to partner with the United Nations Environment Programme’s Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN) to bring zero-emission solar cooking to the Central African Republic (CAR). This is UNEP’s first-ever solar cooking initiative, requested by the CAR government to help address urgent environmental and health challenges.

 

Why Solar Cooking in CAR?

• CAR is one of the 46 Least Developed Countries, with some of the lowest rates of clean cooking access in the world:
• Less than 1% of the 5.4 million people have access to clean fuels or technologies for cooking.
• 98% of families rely on wood as their primary fuel source. Oil and gas remain prohibitively expensive.
• The country’s forests are classified as primary forests—among the world’s most biodiverse and carbon-dense ecosystems—yet they are under severe threat from deforestation.
• Cooking with wood creates serious health risks for women and children, who are most exposed to indoor smoke.

The CAR government has prioritized clean cooking as essential for both forest protection and women’s health. CAR's Energy Sector's objectives include penetration of improved stoves in households, 5% in 2025 and 10% in 2030; 5% of households equipped with solar cookers in 2025 and 10% in 2030. 

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“The training was of great importance in the sense that it gave me development regarding other uses of solar energy.” 

- Nayera, Training Participant

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Photo credit: Ulrich Lassida

 

SCI’s Role

SCI is supporting CAR in building a solar cooking program from scratch. In this pilot phase:

• Solar cookers are manufactured in collaboration with the University of Bangui.
• Families in the Bangui region received solar cookers and were introduced to complementary technologies, such as heat-retention baskets. 
• SCI is training university students, local NGOs, and implementing partners to take leadership roles.
• Data collection and awareness events are helping communities understand the economic, health, and environmental benefits of solar cooking.

Impact

• 180 solar cookers distributed across 4 pilot communities.
• 3 different solar cooker designs utilized.
• 1,200+ people directly benefiting from clean cooking access.
• Development of a roadmap for scaling solar cooking across CAR.

This pilot is the first step in CAR’s journey toward resilient, community-driven solar cooking solutions that protect forests, improve health, and empower women.