The context analysis of target rural communities with a gender lens, value chains, available technologies and financial and funding instruments was successfully conducted through different tools and approaches and all findings have been synthesized to a comprehensive multi-perspective view. A selection of 27 local biomass feedstocks has been carried out and their quality has been evaluated in terms of suitability for the focused technologies via the creation of a database of properties. The green biorefinery technology in Uganda is fully operational, while the replication in Ghana is under development considering that the basic installation has been completed. Regarding the implementation of pyrolysis, the Brazilian kilns technology was successfully transferred to pilot cases in Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Ghana and lab-scale experiments with local biomasses have been performed to serve as a comparison with the results from the local pyrolysis technologies. A first version of the HTC pilot unit has been successfully developed and installed in Senegal, with laboratory tests conducted with two Senegalese feedstocks. Pelletization trials on specific biomasses have been conducted in Senegal, while briquetting tests have been performed. Briquetting has already been carried out in Senegal using biochar from local and Brazilian kiln technologies, and these briquettes are being tested for use as cooking fuel. Pelletization trials have been carried out with existing technology in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, further trials will be carried out with improved pelletizing technology in Côte d’Ivoire, and with novel biomasses (biorefinery-derived protein concentrate) in Ghana. The transfer and upcoming installation of a new pelletization line for pilot activities, construction and testing of a prototype water filtration unit with biochar, and development of lab processes for biocomposites and bioplastics production from cocoa pods and rice husks were also conducted. Of the 22 planned pilot trials, 14 were underway while four of which were completed. Following the initial co-design of the 10 Bio4Africa business models, an iterative validation and improvement process was implemented including real-life evidence from external stakeholders participating in the pilot activities, resulting in an active involvement of 392 stakeholders. In parallel, a very promising accelerator program was implemented in all pilot countries, with 20 companies across the whole value chain. Moreover, a comprehensive training program has been executed, including 4 bootcamps and a mentoring program focused on the circular economy through the technologies developed in BIO4Africa. A dissemination and communication strategy is implemented, entailing web portal and SoMe accounts, promotional material, newsletters, scientific publications, articles and mutually beneficial synergies with relevant projects and networks. 4 Policy dialogue events have been held, attended by key stakeholders and policymakers, to discuss how the bioeconomy can be stimulated in each country.
