Eco — Charcoal Emerges as Sustainable Cooking Solution in Cameroon. Yaoundé, Cameroon — 2026-01-22 Lead Paragraph: In a bid to combat deforestation and indoor air pollution, eco-charcoal is gaining popularity in Yaoundé, Cameroon. This innovative cooking fuel, derived from recycled biomass waste, is replacing traditional firewood in many households, offering a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative.
The shift towards eco — charcoal is part of a larger movement aimed at reducing the environmental impact of cooking practices.
According to environmental experts, eco — charcoal burns longer than firewood, emits fewer pollutants, and significantly reduces the need for wood harvesting, a primary cause of deforestation. Dr.
Kanou Armando, an environmental expert on Business Africa, highlighted the potential benefits of eco — charcoal. “
The growing use of eco — charcoal could significantly reduce environmental degradation while improving public health outcomes, “he.
However, he emphasized that wider adoption hinges on supportive public policies, investment in local production, and increased awareness among households.
In a separate development, cocoa exports in Ivory Coast have been halted due to administrative delays and pending approvals. Approximately 660 tonnes of cocoa remain uncleared at export points, causing trucks to be stranded for weeks and farmers to be unpaid.
The situation has led to mounting financial losses and demands for compensation from exporters and farmers alike.
As Western development aid diminishes, Africa faces an estimated $402 billion annual financing gap to meet its infrastructure and development needs.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is addressing this challenge by strengthening partnerships with Arab countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, to attract oil-backed capital. This strategy, known as the “Petrodollar Pivot, “aims to unlock large-scale private investment in roads, energy, and industrial projects across the continent by 2030, thereby reducing Africa’s reliance on traditional aid flows.
The increasing adoption of eco — charcoal in Cameroon represents a promising step towards sustainable cooking practices.
However, challenges remain, particularly in the cocoa industry and Africa’s broader financing needs.
As these issues evolve, further details are expected to emerge.
