Of all the energy used in the global food system, 38% is spent on food that is eventually lost or wasted. On the African continent, most of this food waste rots in landfills, emitting potent methane gas. Meanwhile, growing demand for animal protein drives an unsustainable expansion of crops like soy for animal feed, leading to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions.
BioBuu's innovative model tackles these interconnected challenges of food, waste and climate change. The Tanzanian startup upcycles organic waste from municipalities and factories into nutritious, cost-effective animal feeds and organic fertilizer using black soldier fly larvae and windrow composting.
Here's why we invested in BioBuu:
BioBuu is pioneering a circular solution that simultaneously reduces food waste, provides a sustainable alternative protein source for livestock, and restores soil health for greater agricultural productivity.
Their process starts by collecting organic waste that would otherwise rot in landfills, feeding it to black soldier fly larvae, and processing it using the windrow composting method. The larvae consume several times their body weight in waste before being dried and converted into protein-rich feeds for poultry, fish, and pets at competitive prices. The remaining waste, and waste that the black soldier fly larvae cannot eat, becomes organic compost that enhances soil health.
This closed-loop model delivers multifold impact. In 2023 alone, BioBuu processed over 6,500 tons of organic waste into 250 tons of affordable, nutritious animal feed and fertilizer, boosting farmer productivity. BioBuu’s new facility can upcycle 50 tons of daily waste, saving 9,000 million tons of CO2 emissions annually and creating hundreds of green jobs.
With plans to expand across Africa, we're thrilled to back BioBuu's transformative approach to repurposing waste into economic value and environmental resilience.
BioBuu's innovation lies in its waste-to-protein technology and decentralized production model. Their black soldier fly breeding and bioconversion process is optimized to extract maximum value from organic byproducts. The larvae's digestive enzymes break down complex waste in record time before being harvested at maturity. Automated systems efficiently convert them into feeds customized for chickens, fish, and dogs.
Biobuu is the only black soldier fly larvae company that is vertically integrated from the insect farm to the finished pellet with bespoke nutritional recipes incorporating their own sustainable protein. They are also the only black solder fly larvae facility in the region with registered carbon offset sites, earning carbon credits.
With two large centralized sites and a new one being built in 2024, BioBuu's circular solution is setting up a network of modular factories near waste sources. This decentralized approach reduces transport emissions while creating local jobs and fertilizer access. Through BioBuu’s corporate social responsibility program, community members can also become micro-entrepreneurs, processing small to medium amounts of waste close to their homes and businesses.
By designing a distributed, zero-waste system tailored to the African context, BioBuu is redefining the circular economy. We believe their model heralds a new frontier in sustainable protein and soil health.
Having validated their model in Tanzania and attaining profitability in 2023, BioBuu is poised for growth across Africa's $1.4B insect feed market, projected to grow at 5.7% annually.
The startup already operates two factories in Tanzania and Kenya, with the capacity to upcycle a combined 50 tons of daily waste. In 2023, BioBuu sold 250 tons of feed and secured a coveted EU export license, positioning them to capture higher-margin international markets.
To expand, BioBuu will invest in additional production facilities, hone its decentralized sourcing and distribution, and diversify its product lines. Equipped with proven technology, an experienced team, and robust unit economics, it aims to scale across Africa's 200M ton organic waste market.
Our collaboration will accelerate BioBuu's expansion by supporting its operational excellence, connecting it with regional partners, and growing its impact reporting. Together, we'll catalyze BioBuu's vision of transforming billions in waste streams into sustainable nutrition and soil health across Africa.
We couldn't be more excited to partner with the BioBuu team as they revolutionize food systems across Africa. We look forward to seeing their circular solution upcycle organic waste into economic opportunity, environmental resilience, and healthier communities for years to come.
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