ACCRA — A new €2.5 million waste-to-protein facility is set to be established in Accra, following the signing of a project agreement under the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Agricultural and Agribusiness Cooperation between the Embassy of Denmark, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and the 24 Hour Economy Secretariat.

Photo: INSECTUM

The agreement was formally signed at the Embassy of Denmark in Accra on 4 March, marking one of the first private-sector initiatives developed under the bilateral cooperation framework.

The project brings together JSO Waste, a major Ghanaian waste management company, and two Danish firms — Insectum ApS and Michael Bundgaard Holding ApS — to establish the first Insectum facility in Africa. The planned plant will convert organic waste into protein ingredients for animal feed and organic fertiliser, supporting both improved waste management and local agricultural production.

Photo: INSECTUM

Once operational, the facility will be capable of processing 8,000 tonnes of organic waste annually, turning waste streams into valuable agricultural inputs while contributing to Ghana’s transition toward a circular economy.

Financing arrangements are expected to be finalised with support from the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark and commercial lenders. Construction and implementation will begin after the completion of final agreements.

Insectum ApS, the Danish technology partner in the project, specialises in modular insect-protein infrastructure. The company’s patented technology converts organic waste into sustainable protein ingredients for animal feed and organic fertiliser. Through a franchise model, Insectum collaborates with local partners in emerging markets to scale circular economy solutions and strengthen food systems.

“At Insectum we are very excited about forming our first franchise partnership in Africa, and we are particularly proud of doing so with JSO and Michael Bundgaard Holding, companies with whom collaboration has come naturally from the start. Insectum's patented technology and franchise setup constitute a strong platform for accelerating impact and creating value. The facility will be Insectum’s first commercial facility and the first in Africa, and will mark a crucial first step in our quest to valorise organic waste across West Africa, starting in Ghana with Accra as a central hub. It has been overwhelming to experience the Ghanaian welcoming spirit, dedication and openness for business, and we cannot wait to get going,” said David Munk-Bogballe, Managing Director of Insectum ApS.

The Ghanaian partner, JSO Waste, operates under the J. Stanley-Owusu Group of Companies and is widely recognised as a pioneer in the country’s waste management sector. Founded in 1961, the wholly Ghanaian-owned company provides solid and liquid waste services across Accra, Kumasi, Tema, and other regions, with more than 50 years of operational experience.

“We see the scale of Ghana’s waste challenge every day as we handle increasing volumes of waste. This initiative aligns perfectly with JSO’s way of seeing waste as a valuable resource. By upcycling nutrients from organic waste into high-quality protein ingredients for fish and poultry farmers, as well as organic fertiliser that improves soil health and yields for crop farmers, this project will unlock exciting potential in Ghana’s food system. The initiative shows JSO’s commitment to circular economy principles and demonstrates how vision, technology, and innovation can transform an environmental challenge into national opportunities supporting the important goal of strengthening Ghana’s agricultural sector,” said William Stanley-Owusu, Chief Executive Officer of JSO Group of Companies.

Investment partner Michael Bundgaard Holding ApS brings agricultural expertise and capital to the initiative. The Danish company is rooted in Klitgaard Agro, a third-generation farming enterprise managing approximately 1,400 hectares of regenerative crop production in Vendsyssel, Denmark. The holding company focuses on investments that strengthen food systems and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

“Coming from a farming background, I’ve always believed that the most meaningful investments are those that strengthen food systems and create value for the people who depend on them. What excites me about working with JSO and Insectum is how we can come together across borders with trusted partners to build a sustainable franchise that valorises resources and supports a stronger agricultural sector. It’s the kind of opportunity that shows how aligned partners can create impact that lasts,” said Michael Bundgaard, Managing Director of Michael Bundgaard Holding ApS.

The initiative is expected to serve as a regional model for converting organic waste into high-value agricultural inputs, potentially paving the way for similar facilities across West Africa, with Accra positioned as the central hub for the expansion.