The European Union -EU- has committed 250 million Kwacha to support companies with innovations that will improve energy efficiency in cooking in order to prevent deforestation.
EU Ambassador to Zambia Jack Jankowski says the project will benefit 1.3 million people in Zambia over the next five years
Mr. Jankowski says the Modern Cooking Facility for Africa programme will ensure the right infrastructure and technology are in place in Zambia to promote good cooking methods and avoid deforestation while promoting good health especially among women.
Speaking in Lusaka at the launch of the Modern Cooking Facility for Africa , Mr. Jankowski said the programme is being implemented in the other African countries.
And Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Johan Hallenborg said the private sector will lead the programme to provide clean energy solutions at a cheap price.
And Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said Zambia faces a huge problem of deforestation and health challenges associated with charcoal burning.
In a speech read for him my Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary Danies Chisenda, Dr. Musokotwane said the grants which will come under the programme will help reduce deforestation.
Meanwhile, Nefco, a Swedish company which is implementing the project has revealed that Zambia has been given the largest funding.
Nefco Vice President of Special Funds Ash Sharma said 14 million Euros which will go to Zambian private companies which will participate in the programme.
