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A pioneering initiative in Benin is transforming environmental waste into high-value industrial products as a local firm, AMAVI, converts used cooking oil into soap and biofuel. Operating out of Ouedo-Kpossidja, a locality situated 40 km north of the country's economic capital Cotonou, the company targets the systematic collection and processing of oil waste from hotels and restaurants to mitigate pollution and harness renewable energy potential.
Carmel Djiha, the founder of AMAVI, highlighted the critical health and environmental risks associated with the improper disposal or reuse of cooking oils in an interview with Xinhua. According to Djiha, the consumption of degraded oils is harmful to human health and can lead to cancer and respiratory issues over the long term, while disposal into the environment contaminates soil and disrupts aquatic ecosystems. To address this challenge, AMAVI has established a network of over 100 restaurant operators who supply their used oils for recycling.
The recovery process involves multiple stages of filtration and settling to eliminate water and solid residues. The refined product is then processed into soap or converted into biofuel, which is suitable for use in power generators and agricultural machinery. Since its inception in 2023, the venture has successfully collected and recycled more than 150,000 liters of used cooking oil.
Benin's regulatory framework supports such initiatives, with legislation dating back to 2003 that governs the management of used oils. These regulations strictly prohibit the disposal or discharge of used oil in places where it could pollute the environment, including soil, surface water, groundwater, and sewage systems. Furthermore, burning used oil in unauthorized facilities is prohibited. Against this backdrop, specialized companies like AMAVI provide a structured channel for converting potential hazards into productive uses.
The company's growth has been further bolstered by international cooperation. AMAVI has signed a partnership agreement with the Chinese firm Henan Hengyong, which provides specialized oil-processing equipment and technical training for the company's workforce. Looking toward the future, Djiha stated that AMAVI plans to industrialize its biodiesel production by 2030, targeting a daily output exceeding three tonnes. This expansion is expected to significantly strengthen the company's contribution to public health and environmental protection while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: The Independent Uganda