Signing of Clean Cooking Operator Financing Agreements – PIFORES

On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, a key milestone was reached in the implementation of the Results-Based Financing (RBF) mechanism under PIFORES – the Forest and Savannah Restoration Investment Program, established by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo with support from the World Bank Group.

Following a rigorous selection process launched in October 2025, the first financing agreements were signed with four clean cooking operators, paving the way for large-scale deployment of improved cooking solutions.

These agreements will enable 118,515 households – representing approximately 590,575 people – to access improved cookstoves across seven provinces: Kinshasa, Kongo Central, Kwilu, Kasai, Kasai Oriental, Kasai Central, and Lomami.

The RBF mechanism is built on a simple but transformative principle: financial incentives are disbursed to operators only after independent verification of results, including effective distribution, sustained adoption, and compliance with technical and environmental standards. This approach represents a significant shift toward a clean cooking market driven by performance and measurable impact.

As Fund Manager, GreenMax Capital Group is supporting ANSER in structuring and operationalizing the mechanism, including through:
• development of operational tools and procedures
• support to operator targeting and monitoring
• establishment of a transparent and reliable RBF payment system
• integration of ESG standards
• institutional capacity strengthening

This signing marks a concrete step toward reducing pressure on forest resources, improving household living conditions, and accelerating the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions in the DRC.