ChristyD
Thu, 04/09/2025 – 07:33
Fortis Invicta Ltd is launching The Gambia’s first integrated circular economy hub, designed to transform agricultural and organic waste into clean energy, soil enhancers and high-value export products. This modular pilot project directly addresses pressing challenges in West Africa, including high youth unemployment, post-harvest losses exceeding 30% and heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. By exploiting 100% of waste streams, the hub demonstrates how local resources can deliver systemic resilience.
Eleven interlinked units, ranging from biochar kilns and anaerobic digesters to solar drying and cooperative-led processing, create a zero-waste loop. Biomass briquettes reduce deforestation, digesters generate renewable energy and biofertilisers, while solar drying extends food shelf life and opens new export channels. A cooperative model ensures that 70% of jobs go to women and young people, supported by hands-on training in renewable energy, regenerative agriculture and business management.
The hub is fully aligned with the principles of the EU Green Deal and the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) and the SDG targets, demonstrating how waste-to-value innovation can advance food security, energy sovereignty and climate adaptation simultaneously.
Designed for replication, the model positions The Gambia as a regional pioneer in circular innovation, with clear potential for EU-Africa knowledge exchange, twinning partnerships and joint impact reporting.
