On March 13, 2025, Mirova’s Gigaton Fund announced its partnership with KOKO Networks to support the expansion of clean cooking solutions in Kenya and Rwanda.
KOKO Networks, a climate-tech company specialising in bioethanol cooking fuel utilities, aims to provide mass-market households with ultra-clean fuel, reducing reliance on deforestation-based charcoal.
John Kimotho, Investment Director at Mirova Kenya, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “We are proud to support KOKO’s transformative bioethanol cooking fuel technology platform, which aligns perfectly with the Mirova Gigaton Fund’s focus on innovative solutions to tackle climate challenges in emerging countries.”
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The funding will enable KOKO to scale its operations and address environmental challenges such as deforestation and carbon emissions caused by charcoal use.
KOKO’s proprietary platform has already demonstrated success in Kenya, where it operates a network of bioethanol fuel ATMs. This system allows households to conveniently access clean cooking fuel.
The technology includes modern two-burner cookers and smart canisters that interface with fuel dispensers at neighbourhood stores.
Greg Murray, CEO of KOKO Networks, stated: “Consumers want ultra-clean cooking fuel available at very low prices within a short walk of their home. Our platform enables this when combined with fiscal policies that level the playing field with charcoal.”.
Mirova, KOKO: Solving African crises
The partnership between Mirova and KOKO also addresses pressing environmental and health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa. Charcoal remains a dominant cooking fuel in the region, contributing to widespread deforestation and indoor air pollution.
Rwanda has already taken steps to combat these issues by signing an agreement with KOKO Networks to establish a renewable cooking fuel utility. This initiative aims for universal access to clean cooking by 2030.
Under the agreement, Rwanda will provide policy incentives such as removing VAT and import duties on equipment and ethanol fuel. These measures are expected to lower consumer prices significantly. The $25 million investment will create 500 direct jobs and generate income streams for thousands of small businesses.
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Clare Akamanzi, Executive Director of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), emphasised: “Protecting our natural environment is a strategic priority for Rwanda, both at the national level and in the context of our international climate commitments. Similarly, clean cooking is an essential part of Rwanda’s efforts to achieve the UN’s health, gender and economic development goals.”.
With Mirova’s financial backing and KOKO’s innovative technology, Kenya and Rwanda are poised to take charge of transitioning households from charcoal to cleaner alternatives.