The Alliance for Biodigesters in West and Central Africa (AB.AOC) has set an ambitious goal to install 50,000 new biodigesters in its eight member countries between 2026 and 2030. This aims to bring the total number of installations to 74,000 by 2030. The plan was presented during a press luncheon organized by Côte d'Ivoire's Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources on September 21, 2026, in Abidjan.
Currently, 24,000 biodigesters have been installed in member countries, serving as a baseline for the implementation of AB.AOC's 2026-2030 strategic plan. According to Yameogo Sylvie, the AB.AOC representative for Côte d'Ivoire, biodigesters convert organic waste into biogas and digestate. Biogas is used for cooking and lighting, while digestate is a biofertilizer that improves soil quality.
The strategic plan for 2026-2030 focuses on developing a competitive biodigester market, supporting local construction and service companies, and increasing the technology's impact on energy, environment, and living conditions. The plan aims to produce 1.51 TWh of energy, with an installed capacity of 421 MW, and substitute over 1.35 million tons of biomass.
The plan also projects significant environmental benefits, including avoiding 1.32 million tons of CO2 equivalent, preserving 108,570 hectares of forests, and producing over 888,300 tons of biofertilizers. Additionally, it aims to positively impact 444,000 people, including 370,000 women and children, by reducing indoor air pollution from wood energy.
The implementation of the plan is expected to create 5,180 direct jobs and train 148,000 users. Yameogo Sylvie noted that a single domestic biodigester can prevent around four tons of CO2 per year and reduce wood energy consumption. Excess digestate can be used or commercialized as fertilizer.
Côte d'Ivoire's national development strategies, including those for livestock, agricultural extension, biogas, and compost, align with the biodigester initiative. The country's third-generation National Agricultural Investment Program also supports this technology. AB.AOC, established in 2018, currently comprises eight member countries and plans to expand to other nations, including Chad, by the end of 2026.
AB.AOC's efforts are geared towards sustainable development and climate change mitigation. The alliance, with its secretariat based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, works to facilitate the growth of the biodigester market in its member states. By achieving its goals, AB.AOC aims to make a significant impact on energy production, environmental conservation, and the well-being of local communities.
Key points
- AB.AOC aims to install 50,000 new biodigesters by 2030.
- The plan is expected to produce 1.51 TWh of energy and avoid 1.32 million tons of CO2 equivalent.
- The initiative will positively impact 444,000 people and create 5,180 direct jobs.
