Clean Cooking Alliance - Market Strengthening Program to build a stronger, sustainable clean cooking industry Nearly three billion people lack access to clean cooking solutions, with the most striking numbers coming from sub-Saharan Africa. The impacts of traditional cooking on the environment, health, economies and women’s empowerment are enormous. Estimates of the WHO indicate close to four million die each year from household air pollution from inefficient cooking practices. Unfortunately, progress on improving access to clean cooking remains slow. The proposal aims to dramatically boost progress on clean cooking through a market strengthening program that builds a stronger, sustainable clean cooking sector. The program will be based on four pillars: - Build the pipeline of investable business - Enhance category level demand - Improve the policy environment - Increase investment community participation The program will focus efforts in four countries that have the fundamentals required to make meaningful progress toward a competitive market in the next four years: Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. In addition, special attention will be paid to Ethiopia and Nigeria that show high potential though less firm market foundations. Furthermore, it is expected that these ‘proof points’ will allow for progress in neighboring countries and beyond.