Biochar Demand in South Africa Expected to Reach US$ 210 Million by 2033

Sales of Biochar in the Middle East and Africa are valued at US$ 235.7 million in 2023, with a remarkable projected growth rate of 10.9% CAGR over the next decade, reaching an estimated value of US$ 660.8 million by the end of 2033.

The biochar industry in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is witnessing a gradual rise in awareness and adoption, driven by the increasing focus on sustainable agricultural practices and soil health. Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from the thermal decomposition of organic matter, offers various environmental and agricultural benefits. In the MEA region, where soil degradation and water scarcity are pressing issues, biochar presents a viable solution to enhance soil fertility, retain moisture, and sequester carbon, thus contributing to climate change mitigation. The MEA market is still in its nascent stages compared to regions like North America and Europe, but growing initiatives around sustainability are creating a platform for the biochar industry to expand.

Market Insights

In the Middle East and Africa, biochar production methods are heavily influenced by the availability of feedstock and technological advancements. The region has a large agricultural base, offering an abundant supply of organic waste materials such as crop residues, wood chips, and manure, which are commonly used as feedstock for biochar production. However, the industry faces several challenges, including limited awareness about biochar’s benefits, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of investment in research and development. The adoption of biochar is more prominent in countries that have advanced agricultural sectors, such as South Africa, Israel, and Egypt, where governments and private sector entities are exploring biochar’s potential to boost agricultural productivity and restore degraded lands. Additionally, there is growing interest in biochar’s application in waste management, as it provides a sustainable method to repurpose organic waste.

Market Outlook

The outlook for the biochar industry in the Middle East and Africa is positive, although it will require more time and effort to develop into a fully mature market. As governments in the region increasingly prioritize sustainability, there is potential for biochar to be integrated into national agricultural strategies. Policies aimed at addressing soil health, desertification, and climate change will likely bolster biochar’s adoption in the coming years. Furthermore, international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in the region are likely to push for biochar projects as part of broader environmental initiatives. The biochar industry in the MEA is expected to grow as part of a global shift toward more sustainable agricultural practices, but its expansion will depend on the success of awareness campaigns, technical training, and the development of cost-effective biochar production technologies.

List of Key Companies Profiled in The Report

• Biochar Solutions
• African Biochar Network
• EcoMENA
• Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) Technologies
• EkoChar
• Desert Control Centre
• Green Charcoal International
• Terra Preta Ghana
• Green Charcoal Africa
• Others

Recent Industry News

In recent years, the biochar industry in the Middle East and Africa has seen several notable developments. Various pilot projects have been launched to test the effectiveness of biochar in improving agricultural productivity and combating desertification. For instance, South Africa and Israel have been conducting trials to evaluate the benefits of biochar in local farming practices. Moreover, international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, have initiated projects to promote biochar as part of climate change mitigation strategies. These initiatives are paving the way for increased biochar adoption in the region. However, the industry still faces hurdles such as inconsistent production quality, high costs, and limited knowledge among local farmers.

Notable Developments

Recent notable developments in the biochar industry in the Middle East and Africa include collaborations between local governments and research institutions to explore biochar’s benefits. South African universities, for example, have been studying the impact of biochar on soil fertility and crop yields. Israel, a leader in agricultural innovation, has also shown interest in integrating biochar into precision agriculture techniques. Additionally, new technologies aimed at reducing the cost of biochar production are being developed, which could lead to wider adoption across the region. The growing number of biochar-related conferences and workshops in the region is also helping to increase awareness and facilitate knowledge exchange among stakeholders.

Analyst’s Perspective

Countries in the Middle East and Africa are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their economic strategies, creating a promising environment for biochar companies aiming to enter this market. Growing efforts to enhance food security in the region are driving agricultural activity, which in turn is fueling demand for biochar. Additionally, investments in carbon reduction projects are expected to open up new opportunities for biochar vendors in the MEA region through 2033.

In July 2023, Abu Dhabi-based asset management firm Offset8 Capital announced plans to raise US$ 250 million for a carbon investment fund aimed at supporting and financing carbon removal projects across Middle Eastern nations.