By Eddah Waithaka
The Global Bioeconomy Summit 2024 (GBS 2024), taking place on October 23-24 in Nairobi, Kenya, brings together experts, policymakers, business leaders and researchers to discuss the latest developments and opportunities in the bioeconomy.
Bioeconomy plays a pivotal role in addressing pressing challenges such as adding value to bioresources, reducing and recycling biowaste, combating climate change, and halting biodiversity loss. It fosters job creation, secures livelihoods, and contributes to a more resilient and sustainable food supply.
Speaking during the opening of the summit, Cabinet Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock development, Dr. Andrew M. Karanja noted that, the GBS coming to Africa recognizes efforts of building a sustainable bioeconomy.
“It opens opportunities for us to partner with other regions of the world to solve pressing global challenges of climate, biodiversity, food insecurity and jobs for the youth in a sustainable way, ” said the CS.
“All over the world, bioeconomy is gaining traction as a sustainable growth pathway for the future with less carbon emissions and preservation of biodiversity,” added the CS.
“Bioeconomy involves use of scientific knowledge to add economic and social value to biological resources in a sustainable way. In Africa, we see bioeconomy supporting food systems transformation, construction, and chemicals and many consumer products, including biopharmaceuticals, and biopackaging, and building resilience to lowcarbon, nature-positive productive landscapes,” said the CS.
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Dr Abdou Tenkouano, Director General and CEO, ICIPE said, “GBS in Africa is enabling us to make new inquiries about the next frontiers in bioeconomy development; and for our communities here at home, including private sector and academic institutions, to identify “symbiotic” relationships to advance the bioeconomy for societal benefit.”
“At icipe, we develop and deploy nature positive solutions for insect pest and vector management. We also lead research in insects as alternative sources of protein in food, feed, and organic waste conversion. We implement BioInnovate Africa programme, a regional science and innovation initiative, which enables scientists to move biologically based solutions to market – thanks to the generous support of the Swedish Government, ” he added.
Deputy Executive Secretary Fortunate Muyambi from the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) conveyed enthusiasm regarding the summit. Emphasizing EASTECO’s commitment to advancing bioeconomy ventures and amplifying innovative endeavors throughout the region, Muyambi remarked, “We are thrilled about this summit as it provides a platform for us to glean insights from international bioeconomy specialists. Such knowledge can be instrumental in propelling the bioeconomy growth of East Africa.”
Science and innovation are at the heart of bioeconomy, and GBS2024 will emphasize their role in shaping its future. Discussions will cover how innovations in agriculture, biomanufacturing, and biotechnology can transform industries. Topics such as digitalization, carbon emissions measurement, and the creation of global standards will also be explored in depth.
