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With over 900 million people living without access to clean cooking in Africa, there has been a strong drive by nations to increase the development and distribution of solutions such as LPG. According to the International Energy Agency, achieving universal access will require up to $37 billion in investment by 2040, with LPG expected to supply 60% of new household demand. Within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), scaling LPG access has become a key priority. During the July 2025 SADC Ministerial Meeting, regional leaders reaffirmed LPG’s role in replacing wood-fired cooking and called for accelerated cooperation to strengthen distribution. Backed by emerging gas projects and supportive policies, Southern Africa offers strong potential for investors to advance clean cooking and sustainable growth.

LPG: A Cornerstone of Clean Cooking Rollout

LPG offers an immediate, scalable solution to expand clean cooking access across the SADC region, reducing dependence on biomass and curbing deforestation. As such, many nations have set clear LPG targets within their national energy strategies, with upcoming projects set to improve regional distribution. With goals to provide 80% of its population with access to clean cooking solutions by 2034, Tanzania is advancing the construction of the Tanga LPG terminal. Featuring 40,000 cubic meters in LPG storage, the project will be complete in 2027.

Zimbabwe plans to increase access from 38% to 70% and has removed Value Added Tax for LPG to incentivize trade. Angola anticipates a 31% increase in LPG demand by 2027 and is increasing feedstock to its Angola LNG plant to strengthen supplies. South Africa inaugurated its Tianlong LPG Cylinder Manufacturing Plant in October 2025 and is advancing a major LPG rail freight project, with operation starting in 2028. The project will improve distribution efficiency across the broader SADC region.

“Expanding LPG access across Southern Africa is one of the most practical steps we can take to make energy poverty history. By investing in infrastructure and regional cooperation, we can deliver cleaner, affordable energy that transforms lives and drives inclusive growth,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

The Emergence of Regional Gas Projects

The SADC region has seen a rise in upstream gas projects in recent years, spelling new opportunities for the region’s LPG market. Mozambique is advancing a series of large-scale gas projects, with TotalEnergies recently lifting force-majeure on the Mozambique LNG project. Eni has reached FID for the Coral North FLNG project this year, with construction beginning later this month, while ExxonMobil is looking at accelerating the development of the $24 billion Rovuma LNG project. Over the border, Tanzania is advancing discussions for the development of the $42 billion Tanzania LNG project and has issued a revised field development plan for the Ntorya Gas Project – targeting 280 million cubic feet per day.

On the west coast, Namibia is moving towards FID for its Kudu gas project while advancing exploration within the broader Orange Basin. Already a major gas producer, Angola strives to increase gas production, with its first non-associated gas project set to come online in early-2026. The country also made its first gas discovery at Block 1/14 this year. In South Africa, efforts are being seen to unlock the potential of both offshore and onshore gas. The country has lifted its long-standing moratorium on shale gas exploration and is promoting offshore drilling. It’s inland Karoo Basin holds an estimated 200 tcf of shale.

Zimbabwe is on the precipice of becoming a gas producer through its Invictus Energy-led Cabora Bassa project. Recent probes have revealed the potential for up to 1.2 tcf of gas reserves, with upcoming drilling expected to confirm commercial volumes. For import-reliant countries such as Botswana and the DRC, the emergence of new gas projects across the region will not only strengthen cross-border LPG trade but guarantee security of supply.

Looking Ahead

As new projects come online, the SADC region has the potential to turn resources into catalysts for clean cooking adoption. The implementation of policies such as the SADC Regional Gas Master Plan (RGMP) –a comprehensive gas infrastructure investment blueprint for the period 2023-2038 – will play an instrumental part in mobilizing investment in LPG distribution in the coming years, offering a clear strategy for regional gas programs and projects. The RGMP envisions $17 billion in power and gas distribution infrastructure, highlighting a unique opportunity for investors.

Beyond policies, platforms such as the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference play a crucial role in facilitating regional trade, fostering partnerships and supporting the growth of SADC’s LPG market. The latest edition – concluding in October 2025 – connected regional government with global investors, laying the foundation for new deals and partnerships to be forged at the upcoming 2026 conference – taking place October 12-16 in Cape Town.