Experts push Africa to turn bioeconomy research into profitable industries

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The call came at the Africa Bioeconomy Workshop in Nairobi, where policymakers, scientists, investors and entrepreneurs urged governments to link agricultural production, research and innovation to markets.

Niall O’Connor, Centre Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Africa Centre, said the region had the resources, research capacity and entrepreneurial talent needed to build a competitive bio-based economy but was still losing value by exporting raw materials.

“The bioeconomy in Eastern Africa, it’s no longer a concept confined to research circles,” O’Connor said.

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“A lot of work over the years has been done on research, but now it’s actually happening across the continent.”

The 2026 State of the Bioeconomy in Eastern Africa report identifies agricultural residues and organic waste as potential feedstock for industries producing biofuels, organic fertilisers, biodegradable packaging, natural fibres, renewable oils, industrial enzymes and bio-based construction materials.

“We must move from exporting raw biological resources to retaining greater value at home through local processing and manufacturing,” O’Connor said.

Dr Abdou Tenkouano, Director General of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), said agriculture, which contributes between 23 and 35 percent of GDP in many sub-Saharan African countries, offered a major opportunity to build industries around biomass.

“At its core, the bioeconomy uses scientific knowledge and innovation to transform biological resources into economic and social benefits in a sustainable way,” he said.

Tenkouano urged governments to strengthen university-industry partnerships and support innovation and entrepreneurship in agro-processing and bioprocessing.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya

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