A photo of a butterfly. /PHOTO; Pexel
Africa contributes the least to global emissions, yet it suffers some of the worst impacts of climate change. Floods, droughts, and food insecurity are already disrupting lives and economies.
At the same time, millions of young Africans entering the labour market each year need jobs, while governments face the task of building sustainable industries that do not destroy natural resources.
It is against this backdrop that the bioeconomy is emerging as a potential answer. The bioeconomy is an economic system that uses biological resources, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, to produce food, energy, and industrial goods in sustainable ways.
According to Julius Ecuru, BioInnovate Africa Manager and Principal Scientist at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), it offers solutions that can unlock opportunities, attract investment, and create far-reaching benefits for the continent and beyond.
In a podcast discussion aired on September 25, 2025, Ecuru outlined why Africa must take the bioeconomy seriously and how it could shape the continent’s future.
Climate change, digital tools, and shifting consumer preferences
Ecuru pointed to three forces driving the urgency of a bioeconomy in Africa.
- The climate crisis
- The rise of the digital economy
- Changing consumer preferences
According to Ecuru, Africa already has a strong backbone in digital infrastructure, and this can be harnessed to grow bio-based industries.
He gave examples ranging from precision farming systems to pest and disease surveillance tools, and digital platforms that connect markets for bio-based products.
“As you all know, there is a need to reduce carbon emissions or to reverse these emissions that are causing global warming. Even if Africa is one of the least emitters globally, it can take advantage of the ongoing investment in the bioeconomy to leapfrog into the green economy of the future,” he said.
Across the continent, citizens are increasingly seeking safer food, healthier medicine, and environmentally friendly products.
“This is a big one. Consumer preferences are shifting towards bio-based products, and this presents an enormous opportunity for Africa,” he explained.
Why should African countries invest in the bioeconomy?
Ecuru described the bioeconomy as a growth pathway for the future. He emphasised that Africa’s biodiversity and natural resources are unmatched, making the continent uniquely positioned to lead.
“Africa has the richest biodiversity compared to other continents, and this also applies to biomass. We know that biodiversity and biomass are really the fundamentals of a bioeconomy. They provide the food stock for biomanufacturing and other services, including ecosystem services,” he said.
Studies consistently rank countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, South Africa, and Kenya among the most biodiverse in the world, confirming the resource base that Ecuru was pointing to.
He added that over 60 per cent of Africa’s land is arable and agriculture already contributes 30 per cent to the continent’s economy.
“There is a great opportunity to boost bio-based manufacturing through value addition to agro products and also to see the manufacturing sector grow,” Ecuru observed.
The Food and Agriculture Organization, on the other hand, reports that Africa expanded its agricultural land by more than 100 million hectares between 2000 and 2019, accounting for over half of the global increase.
This illustrates both the vast potential of African farmland and the risks to biodiversity if expansion is not managed sustainably.
Another reason is Africa’s youthful population. The continent has one of the fastest-growing labour markets in the world.
“Compared to other continents, this labour market is growing and is a great asset. What the youth need now is skills, scientific knowledge, and tools for them to innovate, be creative, and make an impact in their society,” he explained.
Current data shows more than 121 million young Africans aged 15–35 are unemployed or not in education, employment or training, representing around 23 per cent of that age group, according to the Africa Youth Employment Clock.
In some countries, the crisis is worse. In South Africa, the youth unemployment rate for those aged 15–24 stood at 62.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) shows.
What are some of the possible spillovers of investing in the bioeconomy?
Ecuru outlined three major benefits that could come from building a strong bioeconomy:
- Diversified sources of growth – By tapping into biological resources, Africa can broaden its economic base and create more opportunities in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas.
- Technology transfer and innovation ecosystems – Investments in bio-based sectors can spur dynamic innovation, generate new businesses, and create jobs.
- Cleaner production systems – Ecuru says the world would see less pollution to land, to air, and water because of the clean and sustainable manufacturing processes if invested in the bioeconomy.
These spillovers, he argued, could significantly transform African societies by raising incomes, improving health outcomes, and making economies more resilient.
The hidden challenges behind the promise
Like any pathway, the bioeconomy is not without challenges. Ecuru was frank about the trade-offs that Africa must navigate.
One dilemma lies in balancing conservation with the expansion of farmland. He noted that there is a choice between conserving biodiversity on the one hand and clearing more marginal land for farming.
“One way to overcome this trade-off is to adopt intensive farming systems. But as we know, intensive farming systems may be quite expensive for most poor people in the continent,” he explained.
Another issue is competition for land and biomass. Different industries might compete for the same raw materials. For example, banana stems could be used for animal feed or for making fibre-based products.
“You need to be able to balance those trade-offs and see where you get more social and economic gains,” Ecuru said.
A third trade-off is the need for patience. Bio-based products can take longer to scale and are often more expensive in the early stages.
Ecuru gave the example of biological pest control methods, which are still being developed to become competitive alternatives to conventional pesticides.
“Patience matters. It is about foregoing some of the quick returns from using easier but more polluting alternatives, in favour of long-term gains from adopting sustainable bio-based systems,” he said.
How can Africa seize the bioeconomy opportunity?
According to Ecuru, Africa will need clear policies, investment in science and research, and deliberate efforts to train young people.
He also called for governments to create enabling environments that encourage private sector involvement while safeguarding natural resources.
The bioeconomy is not just about agriculture. It covers health, energy, manufacturing, and environmental conservation.
For Africa, the question is whether it can use its biodiversity, land, and talent to build industries that meet the needs of its people while also contributing to global sustainability goals.
Ecuru concluded the podcast with a hopeful but cautious outlook, saying the bioeconomy does not offer instant results, but it provides a foundation for sustainable prosperity.
If pursued thoughtfully, it could help Africa tackle climate change, create jobs for its youth, diversify economies, and improve health and nutrition.
“I think I have laid out why the bioeconomy is important for the continent, and also some of the spillovers and trade-offs we need to manage as we take on this growth pathway,” he said.
The challenge, as Ecuru made clear, is for leaders and citizens to have the patience, policies, and determination to see it through.
About icipe
The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is a leading research institute headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, dedicated to studying insects and their role in human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
Founded in 1970, ICIPE develops innovative, sustainable solutions that harness beneficial insects while managing harmful ones, contributing to food security, public health, and economic growth in Africa.
The centre’s multidisciplinary approach brings together entomology, ecology, biotechnology, and social sciences to address pressing challenges such as vector-borne diseases, crop pests, and environmental degradation.
Through partnerships with governments, universities, and development organizations, icipe ensures that its research translates into practical technologies and policies that directly benefit communities.
With regional programmes across Africa and global collaborations, icipe is building scientific capacity, training the next generation of researchers, and promoting nature-based solutions that improve livelihoods while safeguarding biodiversity.
Its vision is a healthier, more resilient Africa where science and innovation help people and ecosystems thrive.
About Bioinnovate Africa
BioInnovate Africa is a regional science and innovation-driven initiative that supports the growth of a sustainable bioeconomy in Eastern Africa.
Hosted at the ICIPE in Nairobi, the programme brings together scientists, universities, businesses, and policymakers to turn biological research into practical solutions.
By linking innovation with enterprise, BioInnovate Africa helps create jobs, reduce environmental pressure, and strengthen Africa’s ability to compete in a global green economy.
