“In the first year of operations, it is estimated that 400 low-income beneficiaries will benefit as local harvesters of wild baobab trees earning income for sales of pulp/seed mix. ”

Baobab is a natural resource in various African countries. The baobab fruit is increasingly being recognised and globally used as a nutrient-rich, raw material for consumer products e.g. in smoothies, biscuits, fruit juices and cereal bars.

Currently there is no local processing facility for the production of baobab powder in Mozambique, but fruits are traded and exported into other African countries without further value addition. Benefits for local harvesters are thus limited. Recognising this as an inclusive business opportunity, Eco-MICAIA aims to set a new commercial business for processing baobab pulp into baobab powder for sale on national and international markets.

In the first year of operations, it is estimated that 400 low-income beneficiaries will benefit as local harvesters of wild baobab trees earning income for sales of pulp/seed mix.

The business model is based on harvesters selling the fruit after the first stage of processing (i.e. breaking the shells and removing seed and pulp) which means they will receive training on this processing stage. Within three years at full capacity of the processing unit 2,000 people are likely to benefit. The business model is based on a joint shareholder model which means harvester will also indirectly benefit from future dividends from the new company.

IAP support will be used to develop a business plan and a review of successful baobab business models in other African countries.