Deadline: 10-May-2026
The International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) has launched a call for projects in Mauritania to expand clean cooking solutions and strengthen local economic opportunities. The initiative focuses on women’s economic empowerment, youth employment, and development of clean cooking value chains including production, distribution, and maintenance. Selected projects will receive €10,000–€50,000 for up to 12 months to support scalable clean energy and livelihood solutions.
Overview of the Initiative
The initiative is led by the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
It aims to scale clean cooking technologies while strengthening livelihoods in Mauritania, particularly among vulnerable rural and peri-urban communities.
The programme integrates:
- Clean energy transition (clean cooking technologies)
- Economic empowerment and job creation
- Gender-focused livelihood development
- Local value chain strengthening
Background: Why This Programme is Needed
Mauritania faces structural energy and environmental challenges that affect health, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
Key Challenges
- Heavy reliance on firewood and charcoal for cooking
- Accelerated desertification and deforestation pressures
- High cost and limited access to LPG
- Indoor air pollution affecting women and children
- Energy insecurity in rural and peri-urban areas
These challenges are intensified in displaced and low-income communities.
Opportunities in Mauritania’s Clean Cooking Sector
Despite challenges, Mauritania has strong potential for clean cooking expansion.
Key Enabling Factors
- High solar energy potential
- Availability of agricultural and pastoral residues
- Young workforce seeking employment opportunities
- Active women-led community groups
- Existing artisanal and informal manufacturing skills
These factors support the development of sustainable clean energy ecosystems.
Programme Objectives
The 2026 phase builds on earlier OIF efforts (since 2025) to strengthen the clean cooking sector.
Core Objectives
- Expand access to clean cooking technologies
- Empower women economically through energy access
- Create youth employment opportunities
- Strengthen local clean energy value chains
- Professionalize artisans and technicians
- Improve rural distribution systems
- Promote sustainable community-based enterprises
Key Focus Areas
1. Clean Cooking Technology Deployment
- Distribution of improved cookstoves and clean cooking solutions
- Support for household adoption in vulnerable communities
- Adaptation to local environmental conditions
2. Value Chain Development
Strengthening the full clean cooking ecosystem:
- Production of clean cooking equipment
- Distribution networks (urban and rural)
- Maintenance and repair services
- Fuel supply systems (clean and sustainable alternatives)
3. Economic Empowerment and Job Creation
- Support for women-led micro-enterprises
- Youth employment in energy and entrepreneurship sectors
- Development of cooperatives and local businesses
- Income generation through clean energy activities
4. Capacity Building and Training
- Technical training for artisans and technicians
- Entrepreneurial skills development
- Organizational capacity strengthening
- Business management and cooperative governance
5. Awareness and Policy Support
- Community awareness on clean cooking benefits
- Advocacy for supportive energy policies
- Promotion of behavioral change in households
Key Implementation Challenges Addressed
Projects under this initiative are expected to address:
- Shortage of skilled clean energy technicians
- Weak rural distribution systems
- Limited access to financing for small enterprises
- Fragmented supply chains for clean fuels
- Low awareness of clean cooking benefits
- Limited entrepreneurial capacity among youth and women
Expected Outcomes
The initiative aims to deliver both environmental and socio-economic impact.
Expected Results
- Increased adoption of clean cooking technologies
- Reduced reliance on firewood and charcoal
- Improved health outcomes from reduced indoor air pollution
- Creation of sustainable local jobs
- Stronger women-led economic participation
- Expanded rural energy access
- Strengthened clean cooking market systems
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Eligible applicants must be:
- Legally registered organizations in Mauritania
Eligible Organization Types
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Cooperatives
- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
- Training centers
- Incubators and innovation hubs
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- At least 2 years of operational experience
- Strong local presence in Mauritania
- Technical or sectoral expertise in:
- Clean energy
- Entrepreneurship
- Community development
- Proven operational capacity
Consortium Applications
- Consortium applications are allowed
- Partnerships are encouraged to improve scale and impact
Funding Details
- Grant size: €10,000 to €50,000
- Project duration: Up to 12 months
- Implementation approach: Local execution with OIF coordination
Implementation Approach
Projects will be implemented in coordination with:
- National authorities in Mauritania
- Local development actors
- Existing OIF partners
- Community-based organizations
Key Principles
- Local ownership and participation
- Market-based sustainability
- Gender inclusion and empowerment
- Value chain integration
- Capacity strengthening
Why This Initiative Matters
This programme contributes to:
- Clean energy transition in vulnerable regions
- Reduction of environmental degradation
- Improved public health outcomes
- Women’s economic empowerment
- Youth employment creation
- Sustainable rural development
FAQs
What is the OIF Clean Cooking Initiative in Mauritania?
It is a funding programme supporting clean cooking technologies and economic empowerment projects in Mauritania, led by the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.
Who can apply for this call?
Legally registered organizations in Mauritania, including NGOs, SMEs, cooperatives, training centers, and incubators with at least 2 years of experience.
What is the funding range?
Selected projects will receive between €10,000 and €50,000 for a duration of up to 12 months.
What is the main focus of the initiative?
The main focus is to expand clean cooking adoption while creating jobs and strengthening local value chains in the energy sector.
Why is clean cooking important in Mauritania?
It reduces deforestation, improves indoor air quality, lowers household energy costs, and improves health outcomes for women and children.
Can organizations apply in partnerships?
Yes, consortium applications are encouraged to improve effectiveness and sustainability.
What types of activities are supported?
Supported activities include clean cookstove deployment, training, entrepreneurship development, supply chain strengthening, and awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
The OIF Clean Cooking Initiative in Mauritania is a combined energy transition and economic empowerment programme.
By supporting clean cooking technologies alongside entrepreneurship, training, and value chain development, it aims to reduce environmental pressure while creating sustainable livelihoods for women and youth in vulnerable communities.
For more information, visit International Organization of La Francophonie.