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The State of the Bioeconomy in Eastern Africa: 2026

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The State of the Bioeconomy in Eastern Africa: 2026

The State of the Bioeconomy in Eastern Africa: 2026 is the third in a series of biennial status reports that track progress in the region and support implementation of the East African Community (EAC) Regional Bioeconomy Strategy (2021/22–2031/32).

Ivar Virgin, Alphayo Lutta / Published on 17 September 2026

Citation

Virgin, I., Lutta, A., Muyambi, F., Adhiambo, R., Haileselassie, T., Osano, P., Tesfaye, K., Ochanga, P., Ngor, J., Ruhukana, A., Munganyinka, E., Karirekinyana, G., Ongol, M., Okinyi, A. C., Ecuru, J., Masharabu, T. 2026. The State of Bioeconomy in Eastern Africa: 2026. Stockholm Environment Institute, The East African Science and Technology Commission and Bioinnovate Africa. ISBN: 978-9914-27-831-6

Key messages

  • Development of mission-oriented bio-innovation hubs and shared infrastructure systems.

  • Strategic investment in pilot-scale, demonstration, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant translational research facilities.

  • Expansion of cluster-based bioeconomy development approaches and regional innovation ecosystems.

  • Strengthened technology transfer offices (TTOs), incubators, accelerators and commercialization support systems.

  • Improved alignment between research institutions, universities, TVETs, industry and MSMEs.

  • Increased investment in industrial biotechnology, bioprocess engineering and bio-manufacturing skills development.

  • Strengthened biomass valorization systems, circular bioeconomy approaches and waste-to-resource infrastructure.

  • Development of sustainable biomass supply systems and integrated food–feed–fuel production models.

  • Expansion of regional standards, certification systems and quality assurance frameworks for bio-based products and bioenergy systems.

According to the new regional assessment, East Africa is well positioned to build a competitive and inclusive bioeconomy by turning its rich biological resources, research capabilities and growing innovation ecosystem into higher-value products, new industries and jobs. The several emerging priorities that could significantly accelerate bioeconomy development in Eastern Africa.

SEI authors

Ivar Virgin
Ivar Virgin

Senior Research Fellow

SEI Headquarters

Lutta Alphayo
Alphayo Lutta

Research Fellow

SEI Africa

Topics and subtopics
Economy : Bioeconomy
Related centres
SEI Headquarters
Regions
Africa