By Abdul Kamara

Chief Executive Officer of the Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA), Dymphna van der Lans, has applauded the government of Sierra Leone for its strong leadership in advancing clean energy and climate resilience, describing the nation as “a key voice in Africa’s conversation on climate leadership and inclusive growth.”

Speaking at the 2025 Climate Resilience and Energy Transition Dialogue (CRET) held in Freetown, Van der Lans reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s Presidential Initiative for Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security (PI-CREF). She emphasized that the CCA remains dedicated to helping the government expand access to clean, modern, and affordable energy for every household, school, and institution across the country.

“This year’s theme, ‘Mobilising Investment for Climate Action, Food Security, Clean Cooking and a Just Energy Transition for All,’ perfectly captures the integrated approach needed to unlock prosperity while protecting people and the planet,” she said.

Van der Lans highlighted that clean cooking represents one of the most powerful entry points to sustainable development, noting that transitioning homes and public institutions from wood and charcoal to cleaner fuels such as LPG, bioethanol, and electricity is not only an energy issue but also one of public health, economic empowerment, and environmental protection.

She commended the government for launching the National Clean Cooking Strategy, which targets reaching 25 percent of households with clean fuels by 2030 and achieving universal access in urban areas by 2040. She described the establishment of a Clean Cooking Delivery Unit within the Office of the President as a “historic milestone” that demonstrates strong national commitment and ensures coordination at the highest levels of governance.

However, Van der Lans urged that policies and strategies must be matched with decisive implementation. She called for increased financing, technological innovation, and public-private partnerships to drive progress. She cited initiatives like Mission 300 and the Country Partnership Framework with the OPEC Fund as examples of how catalytic investment can de-risk private capital and create sustainable local jobs, especially for women and young people.

“The Clean Cooking Alliance remains committed to working with the government of Sierra Leone, private sector players, and development partners to scale investments in modern cooking solutions, strengthen local markets, and attract more climate finance,” she assured.

Van der Lans concluded her remarks by commending the government’s vision through PI-CREF and expressing optimism that Sierra Leone could become a model for inclusive, people-centered, and climate-smart energy transition in Africa.

“The children growing up in Freetown and across Sierra Leone deserve to breathe clean air, learn under electric light, and live in communities that thrive sustainably,” she said adding. “That is the future this dialogue is helping to build.”