BIO4Africa report outlines inclusive and sustainable bio-based business models for rural Africa

Field testing of bio-based technologies is underway at the BIO4Africa test sites in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and Uganda. Now attention has turned to the inclusive and sustainable business models that will secure the technologies’ long-term contribution to food and nutritional security and incomes across rural Africa.

BIO4Africa partner AFAAS presents the outline for the business models in a new report, which draws on input from value proposition workshops held in each of the four countries.

“Our objective is to turn all the technologies that are being piloted through the BIO4Africa project into sustainable business models that can enrich farmer livelihoods,” says Morris Egesa, project coordinator at AFAAS.

“This is why it was important that key public and private stakeholders attended the workshops to develop a contextually relevant, market-centred value proposition for each of the technologies.”

Enabling the bioeconomy
The report begins with the stark reality for rural areas, where many challenges stand in the way of economic growth and decarbonisation. As resources become increasingly scarce, the report says, traditional business models based on a take-make-dispose philosophy must give way to a new approach that enables the bioeconomy through reduce-recycle-reuse.

The BIO4Africa business models support this sustainable transformation by helping rural entrepreneurs capture value through responsible production.

'AFAAS brings together all the essential actors to see how best they can support the farmers.'
Morris Egesa, BIO4Africa project coordinator at AFAAS

Targeting each of the pilot technologies in turn, the business models build on the framework of the Triple Layered Business Model Canvas – a recognised tool for analysing the economic, environmental and social perspectives of bio-based products.

Hands-on support and practice guides
“Moving forward, we will provide smallholder farmers and enterprises with hands-on business support and circular practice guides to create more awareness of piloted technologies and enable uptake,” Egesa states.

Further sustainable business models may be added to the business toolbox following the kick-off of the BIO4Africa business growth programme in early 2023.

The task 5.2 report on inclusive and sustainable bio-based business models for rural Africa will be made publicly available following the final review by the BIO4Africa project officer.