A new report on "The State of the Bioeconomy in Eastern Africa", prepared by the Stockholm Environment Institute, the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), and part of the BioInnovate Africa Programme provides an in-depth analysis of the region's bioeconomy, emphasizing its potential to drive sustainable economic growth, enhance rural livelihoods, and promote environmental stewardship.

Key areas of focus include value addition to agricultural products, development of novel food and feed sources, and the production of bio-based agricultural inputs. These processes hold significant potential to leverage the region's biological resources and positively impact rural communities by connecting them to new value chains and marker opportunities. Success stories, such as biogas production in Kenya and the sisal bioeconomy's revival in Tanzania, illustrate the practical benefits of bioeconomy initiatives in Eastern Africa.

As the bioeconomy principle gains traction among governments, it is crucial to address existing challenges, including a lack of technology and facilities for processing/value addition, low agricultural productivity, and inadequate policy and regulatory frameworks. The report discusses these challenges and offers recommendations to sustain a vibrant and inclusive bioeconomy in the region.