EnDev in the DRC: building sustainable access to clean cooking solutions

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), one of the world’s most fragile and energy-poor countries, access to clean cooking solutions remains a critical challenge for household health, environmental protection and local development. Today, only 5% of the population has access to clean cooking and just 22% to electricity, with rural access dropping to as low as 1%.

Since 2019 and now coming to an end, the Energising Development (EnDev) program, implemented by AVSI in Eastern DRC, has contributed to expanding access to sustainable energy solutions, supporting vulnerable communities and promoting resilient development models.

The project was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Norad, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and coordinated by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).  

EnDev’s activities focused on expanding access to improved cookstoves and promoting the productive use of energy in vulnerable urban areas and rural contexts such as Idjwi Island and the cities of Goma, Bukavu, Uvira, Kalemie and Bunia.

Through a market-based approach, the program supported the entire clean cooking value chain: from training local producers, to strengthening distribution networks and raising awareness among households. Between 2020 and 2026, more than 141,500 improved cookstoves were sold.

To ensure long-term sustainability, EnDev also invested heavily in local capacity building. A total of 18 producers were established, with 180 people trained. At the same time, the commercial network expanded through the creation of over 350 points of sale, generating income opportunities for more than 350 people.Overall, more than 550 individuals were involved in training resulting in them becoming producers or vendors.

The adoption of improved cookstoves helps reduce fuel consumption and pressure on forest resources, particularly in areas affected by charcoal-driven deforestation. At the same time, households experienced lower cooking costs, improved living conditions and significant time savings, especially for women.

On Tuesday, April 28^th the project closing ceremony was held in Kinshasa. The agenda included initiatives and in-depth discussions on development, best practices and the program’s sustainability, led by representatives of EnDev and AVSI, in front of an audience composed of national and city authorities as well as other NGOs.

Despite operating in a context marked by conflict and instability, EnDev demonstrated that market-based, locally anchored approaches can deliver lasting results. As the program phases out, trained producers, vendors and local enterprises will continue promoting clean cooking and sustainable energy solutions, building on the skills, networks and market systems developed over the years.