New york: Clean Fuel Solutions for Cooking (Forward7) initiative took part as a platinum sponsor in the fourth edition of the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) forum, held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly from September 21 to 22, 2025. Under the theme ‘Unstoppable Africa,’ the event drew over 8,000 attendees, including more than 10 heads of state, business leaders, government officials, investors, and charitable organizations, all coming together to foster partnerships and champion sustainable development across the continent.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Forward7 highlighted its innovative projects aimed at driving sustainable growth in Africa through clean cooking, while focusing on efforts that improve quality of life and empower local communities. In his opening address, Forward7 Program Director Mohammad H. AlTayyar emphasized the flagship projects led by the initiative in Africa, noting that access to clean cooking is a fundamental driver in empowering communities. He explained, “By supplying cleaner energy to thousands of families, we are not merely providing means for fuel or power; but we are also ensuring that children and mothers can breathe safely. To provide sustainable sources of energy means granting communities a better quality of life, enriched with opportunities for employment and education.”
Al-Tayyar highlighted several important Forward7 initiatives on the continent, including ‘Empowering Africa,’ which offers integrated solutions such as renewable energy, connectivity, e-cooking, e-health, and e-learning, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Health, represented by Seha Virtual Hospital. Additionally, Forward7 collaborates with organizations like the African Organization for Standardization to harmonize standards for clean cooking across Sub-Saharan Africa. He pointed out that Forward7 is supporting thousands of families in Rwanda and Nigeria to switch to liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cooking kits.
As part of the forum’s activities, Forward7 organized a panel discussion titled ‘Transforming Clean Cooking: Addressing Energy Poverty and Empowering Communities,’ which featured a distinguished panel of high-level experts. During the panel, SEforALL announced Forward7’s newest joint project, which focused on helping primary public schools in Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, adopt clean cooking solutions. The project aims to provide electric cooking kits to safely feed over 1,200 students, improving public health, and safeguarding the environment from the dangers of traditional cooking methods.
Participating in this important event has positioned Forward7 as a leading voice in sustainable development, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s dedication to promoting international cooperation and addressing global challenges while paving the way for prosperity.
