To date, a small number of biogas plants have been installed in Africa; although, most of these plants have fallen into disuse. However, there is reason for optimism, based on the experience in Asia especially, Nepal, Vietnam, India and China. In Nepal, a dedicated marketing approach has resulted in the sale of more than 150,000 biodigesters and over 95% these plants are operational. It may be argued that circumstances in Africa differ from those in Asia. Yet, local conditions can vary significantly within the African continent itself. No fundamental reason seems to exist why dedicated marketing programs would not work in Africa. The main difference compared with the past is the market orientation where large volumes can be sold to justify a substantial promotion programme. A first technical market survey has indicated a market of around 20 million households in Africa. The numbers justify a dedicated Initiative for 2 million digesters in Africa. One of the key lessons learnt from past experiences is never to simply give away a product. The initiative aims to embark on new programs in Africa by incorporating the success factors from experiences in Asia.

Governments will play the public role by creating an enabling environment for market development, providing subsidies, tax policies, standards, and other measures to legitimize the programme.

Local contractors and manufacturers will be in charge of mobilising the supply side of the market development process. The creation of a substantial market will raise commercial interests endorsing the Initiative over the years. 

Market oriented approach

The initiative is aimed to involve local organisations in the promotion, extension and raising users awareness along geographically concentrated areas in Africa. The program will be run by commited local organisations with demonstrated experience in biogas. Meanwhile, they will be assisted by International expert organisations including those who participated in the Exploratory Workshop in Amsterdam, and others to join.

The implementers will carry out biogas marketing programs including promotion, development of local businesses, liaising with micro-credit providers, and collaboration with national and local Governments.

Guiding Principles for Promotion Programs in targeted areas:

The initiative will go where good marketing opportunities are expected. The initiative will adhere to the following guiding principles:

Criteria for the selection of countries
• Short term potential for 10,000 - 20,000 biogas plants - a target that can be reached within 5 years
• Where clusters of 20 to 25 digesters can be built
• Existence of strong national demand/commitment (Government endorsement)

Social Factors
• Ensure participation of women on all levels
• Established rural household with some cash income
• Ownership / land rights with households
• Improvement of environment and health
• Favourable social/ cultural conditions
• Improve agricultural production
• Gender balance in household expenditure decisions

Favorable Market Factors
• Scarcity and/or high prices on fuel wood
• High prices of alternative cooking fuels
• Reasonable density of rural populations to manage program
• Effective private sector
• Demand for the services that can be delivered by the technology
• Develop a marketing and awareness strategy

Favorable Financial/Economic Factors
• Transparent and direct subsidy (as directly as possible to the end-user and linked to quality control)
• Equity (contribution from own funds in cash and/or kind/ initial investment by household ) about 10%
• Credit availability (at affordable rates, with or without collateral through MFI arrangements)

Favorable Institutional Factors
• (Good) rural extension system (government or NGO)
• Good rural banking/credit system
• Established private sector/rural masonry enterprises
• Support by traditional and/or local institutions
• Active participation of stakeholders

Favorable Technical/Resource Factors
• Robust and tested biogas standardized designs that meet local needs and conditions
• Availability of biogas appliances (valves, stoves, lamps) at low costs
• Availability of after sales service established, no preconditions.

Favorable Political Factors
• Stable and secure rural areas
• Commitment by national Governments
• Initial program subsidy support from government and donors
• Linking up with existing policy framework in energy, health, agric, sanitation

Guiding principles for national promotion programs:

The initiative is estimated to result in:
• Clean cooking energy for at least 10 million Africans.
• Reducing deaths of 5000 women and children each year.
• Raising agriculture production with up to 25%.
• Creating new jobs for at least 50,000 persons.
• Saving of time of 2 or 3 hours per household.
• Improving health and living conditions of women and children, reducing the use of firewood, and stimulating higher soil fertility and agricultural production.
• Saving on health costs up to US $80-125 per family per year.
• Saving 6400 tons of fossil fuel per year.
• Saving 3-4 million tons of wood per year.
• The Intiative will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 MT of CO2 annually.