Experts have called for the development of a bio-economy strategy in East Africa to open opportunities for research cooperation. The call was made during the first Eastern Africa Bio Economy Conference, held on Oct 21 and 22 and organized by the East Africa Community.

According to Christophe Bazivamo, deputy secretary-general of EAC, a regional bio-economy strategy and the use of renewable biological resources sustainably to produce food, energy and industrial goods will lead to the promotion of trade in value-added bio-based goods and services.

"The East African Community has a vision of moving into upper middle-income status by the year 2050. Bio-economy is one of the means to diversify sources of growth through value addition to biological resources that will contribute to the region's realization of its vision in an inclusive manner," Bazivamo said.

In addition, Bazivamo urged East African scientists, policymakers and business leaders to develop sustainable bio-based solutions that could spur growth in the region.

"This strategy will also augment the region's efforts to engage more effectively in the African Continental Free Trade Area," Bazivamo added.

Under the plan, the countries of Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda will develop a regional innovation-driven bio-economy strategy to enable countries to pool their resources and address shared regional priorities.

In addition, the regional bio-economy strategy focuses on increasing economic and social value of regionally traded bio-based goods and services, converting bio-waste into useful material and connecting national, regional and global bio-based value chains.

Bazivamo noted challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the need for innovation collaboration in the region to contribute homegrown solutions for managing emerging public health problems and long-term prosperity of the region.

He added the region has come together to develop a regional strategy for a sustainable bio-economy consistent with efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and aspirations for the African Union's agenda 2063.

Segenet Kelemu, director-general of the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology and one of the experts at the conference, said with a bio-economy strategy, East Africa has a chance to innovatively exploit its abundant biological resources.

She added the strategy will also lead to the creation of new business prospects, economic diversification and job creation, especially for youth, women and farmers.

"The East African countries are placed to benefit from commercial ventures that will lead to inclusive growth and social development. It is time to implement a bio-economy strategy that is innovative and knowledge-driven, improves agricultural practices and champions value addition to raw materials," Kelemu said.