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Foreword

Eastern Africa is making progress towards a greener and more sustainable future by tapping into the benefits of developing its bioeconomy. A new report, "State of the bioeconomy in Eastern Africa: 2024," offers a detailed look at the region's progress and the opportunities that lie ahead. The report was produced by the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology. The report highlights the need for more investment in Research and Development (R&D) if the region is to fully benefit from the bioeconomy. However, most African countries invest less than one percent of their GDP in research, well below the global average. Nevertheless, some countries, like Kenya, are leading the charge in developing agricultural biotechnology and sustainable farming practices. To grow the bioeconomy, Eastern African countries need to develop policies that support innovation, protect the environment, and benefit small farmers.

The region has taken a step forward with Ethiopia launching its first-ever Bioeconomy Strategy, aiming to advance research and innovation towards a robust bioeconomy. The strategy outlines a transformative framework for the sustainable utilization of Ethiopia's abundant biological resources across key sectors, including agriculture, health, energy, and industry.

Key areas of Ethiopia’s strategy include the development of biofertilizers and biochemicals, supporting food and nutrition security, reducing reliance on fossil-based materials, promoting industries using biobased industrial and agricultural residues, fostering indigenous knowledge and bio-based traditional medicines...

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