Taxes on international trade are significantly limiting access to clean cooking technologies across Africa, affecting the energy transition and the achievement of energy equity on the continent, a new study says.
The paper in Africa Development Review reveals that both linear and non-linear trade tax policies have a measurable impact on the affordability and availability of clean cooking solutions such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electric cookers, and improved biomass stoves.
Higher import duties and related trade barriers tend to increase the cost of clean cooking technologies, making them less accessible to low-income households. This is particularly concerning in sub-Saharan Africa, where a majority of households still rely on traditional biomass fuels like firewood and charcoal, exposing millions to indoor air pollution.
“Trade taxes can act as a barrier to the diffusion of clean cooking technologies,” the authors say. They warn that such fiscal policies may unintentionally undermine efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.
Clean cooking has been widely recognised as a critical development issue, with implications for public health, gender equality, and climate change. Women and children are disproportionately affected, as they spend more time exposed to harmful smoke from traditional cooking methods.
The study further highlights that the relationship between trade taxes and access is not always straightforward. In some cases, moderate taxation may not significantly hinder adoption, but beyond certain thresholds, the negative effects become more pronounced. This non-linear effect suggests that policymakers must carefully calibrate tax regimes to avoid unintended consequences.
“Reducing or restructuring trade taxes could improve access,” the researchers suggest.
In addition to taxation, the study points to other barriers, including weak infrastructure, limited distribution networks, and low consumer awareness. However, it stresses that addressing trade-related costs could provide a relatively immediate pathway to improving access.
The findings come at a time when global efforts are intensifying to achieve universal access to clean energy by 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals. Experts argue that without targeted policy interventions, many African countries risk falling behind.
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