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The Forward7 Initiative, a global advocate for clean cooking solutions, took part as a strategic partner at the Sub-Saharan Africa LPG Expo 2026, held in Johannesburg from April 9 to 10.
At the two-day event, Forward7 outlined its vision for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a practical and sustainable pathway to cleaner cooking. Through its keynote address and participation in panel discussions, the initiative highlighted how LPG adoption can improve household wellbeing, reduce environmental harm, and drive economic efficiency across African markets.
A key highlight of its participation was the announcement of the Forward7 Clean Cooking Award — a new global initiative aimed at supporting innovators and organisations developing scalable solutions within the clean cooking space.
The award is structured around three categories, each addressing critical gaps in energy access. The Urban Scale-Up category focuses on expanding access and efficiency in densely populated cities and peri-urban areas. The Frontier Contexts category targets solutions for remote communities, underserved rural populations, and humanitarian settings. Meanwhile, the Continuity and Loyalty Programme category is designed to encourage sustained LPG usage by strengthening long-term consumer adoption and reducing reliance on harmful alternatives.
The award process begins with the official launch in Johannesburg and will culminate in the recognition of winning projects. A total prize pool of $45,000 has been set aside, with $15,000 allocated to each category winner. The funding is intended to accelerate the development and implementation of high-impact solutions addressing energy challenges.
Forward7’s engagement at the expo reflects a broader ambition to drive global conversations around clean energy, positioning LPG as a viable solution to energy poverty. The initiative also emphasised the importance of international collaboration, bringing together governments, private sector players, and development partners to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The organisation’s participation further reinforces its role in advancing the global clean cooking transition, while also highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting innovation and partnerships that address development challenges and improve livelihoods.
The LPG Expo 2026 in Johannesburg, the first edition focused on Sub-Saharan Africa, provided a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to explore policy frameworks and innovative approaches to growing the LPG market. The event is expected to play a key role in accelerating clean energy adoption and expanding access to safe, affordable cooking solutions across the region.
