Eni has reached 1 million beneficiaries in Mozambique through its clean cooking initiative, marking a key milestone in the company’s efforts to expand access to cleaner energy solutions across the country.

The Italian energy company said more than 200,000 improved cookstoves have been distributed since the program began, helping households reduce fuel use and limit exposure to harmful smoke.

The achievement was celebrated during the “Food, Energy and Life” photography exhibition at Fortaleza de Maputo, which highlighted the experiences of families and communities that have adopted the new cooking technologies.

For many households, access to cleaner cooking methods has brought practical benefits to daily life, from lower fuel consumption to healthier living conditions.

“The achievement of 1 million beneficiaries represents an important milestone in Eni’s commitment to working alongside Mozambique to deliver practical solutions that create long-lasting impact,” said Marica Calabrese, managing director of Eni Rovuma Basin and general manager of Eni Natural Energies Mozambico.

Improved cookstoves bring health and environmental benefits

Since its launch, Eni’s Clean Cooking Programme has expanded across several provinces in Mozambique. The company said the improved cookstoves can cut fuel consumption by as much as 75 percent compared with traditional three-stone fire methods widely used by many households.

The initiative also includes awareness campaigns that encourage more efficient cooking practices. Women and children, who are often the most affected by indoor smoke, are a major focus of the program’s health education activities.

Photography exhibition tells community stories

The Maputo exhibition features photographs by World Press Photo 2021 winner Gabriele Galimberti, who documented everyday life in homes and villages benefiting from the project.

The exhibition also showcases traditional Mozambican dishes prepared using the improved cookstoves, combining local culinary traditions with guidance on nutrition and healthy cooking practices.

Broader push across Africa

Eni’s clean cooking initiative forms part of its wider commitment to support a just energy transition in Africa.

The program has already reached 4.6 million people across Mozambique, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, Angola, the Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Madagascar.

The company aims to provide clean cooking solutions to more than 10 million people by 2027 and 20 million by 2030, while supporting community health, reducing emissions and creating local economic opportunities.