325,000
Direct and indirect jobs supported by 2035
Impact
Measurable outcomes across the value chain.
From smallholder farmer income to national energy security, bioethanol's impact is broad, durable, and African-led.
By the Numbers
The scale of the opportunity, in four figures.
Source: Manufacturing Africa, February 2026
2.2M
Smallholder farmers with structured demand by 2035
Source: Manufacturing Africa, February 2026
50%
Fewer lifecycle GHG emissions than petrol or diesel
Source: Manufacturing Africa, February 2026
3.7M
Premature deaths annually from household air pollution — borne mostly by African women and children
Source: Manufacturing Africa, February 2026
Expected Outcomes
Systemic effects across the continent.
- Employment and farm income
- 325,000 direct and indirect jobs and structured demand for 2.2 million smallholder farmers by 2035.
- Foreign exchange and energy security
- $7 billion projected improvement in Africa's FX balance by 2035 through reduced fossil fuel imports.
- Climate and carbon markets
- Bioethanol delivers over 50% fewer lifecycle GHG emissions than petrol or diesel; eligible under Gold Standard, Verra VCS and CORSIA.
- Public health
- Household air pollution from biomass causes ~3.7M premature deaths globally each year — borne mostly by African women and children.