Ethiopia launches spirulina research & production facility, to reduce imports

ETHIOPIA- The Ministry of Innovation and Technology, the Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (OARI), and the Ethiopian Bio and Emerging Technology Institute (BETin) have launched the country’s first-ever spirulina research and production center with the objective of reducing the importation of the nutrient-rich microalgae. 

The 1,200 square meter facility is located at the Adami Tulu Agriculture Center. According to BETin, the new facility was constructed with an initial investment of ETB 8.2 million (US$142,198). The research and production facility has already produced its first batch of the microalgae, a sign of initial success. 

BETin praised this initial success during the launch, reiterating it will go a long way in increasing supply in Ethiopia and reducing prices.  

Dr. Firew Tafasse, a senior researcher at BETin, said, “We’ve successfully completed the first pilot batch of spirulina. This achievement will lessen our dependence on imported spirulina, which holds substantial market value.” 

Spirulina is a nutrient-rich greenish-algae with antioxidant qualities and packed with a wide variety of vitamins, all essential proteins, minerals and coenzymes. It is sold either as a pill or as a green powder added to food. It can be used as a direct nutrition supplement or consumed with beverages and food.  

The highly nutritious microalgae is sold at premium prices, currently retailing at ETB 20,000 (US$346.83) per kilogram and up to ETB 2 million (US$34,682.60) per quintal. BETin expressed optimism that Ethiopia will be able to export spirulina in the near future. 

The institute also expressed optimism that the new research and production facility will help in addressing malnutrition in children. According to government statistics, 35% of Ethiopian children suffer from malnutrition.  

The new research and production facility is a materialization of Ethiopia’s long-term objective of bringing academic microalgae research into its institutions and enhancing its industrial production. 

Professor Kassahun Tesfaye, BETin’s Director General, said, “This is a practical demonstration that spirulina can be an industrial product in our country. We now need to expand the research and production of the product with a wider engagement of the public, private, and local community stakeholders.” 

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