In brief
Benin’s AMAVI company harvests discarded cooking oil from more than a hundred restaurants and transforms it into soap and biodiesel, reducing pollution and providing renewable energy. Since 2023, it has recycled over 150,000 litres and is partnering with a Chinese firm to expand production. The company plans to grow its biodiesel output to more than three tonnes a day by 2030, strengthening environmental protection and public health.
In the locality of Ouedo‑Kpossidja, about 40 km north of Cotonou, the Beninese company AMAVI is collecting used cooking oil from local hotels and restaurants to produce soap and biodiesel. The project began in 2023 and has already processed more than 150,000 litres, according to founder Carmel Djiha, who said the initiative helps curtail environmental pollution and public health risks.
Djiha explained that the oil first undergoes filtration and settling to remove water and solid residues before being turned into soap or converted into biodiesel for use in generators and agricultural machinery. He added that "consuming used cooking oil is harmful to human health and can cause cancer and respiratory problems in the long term," warning that improper disposal can contaminate soil and aquatic ecosystems.
Over a hundred restaurant operators are currently cooperating with AMAVI to supply the oil. The company’s activities operate under Benin’s 2003 legislation that prohibits the disposal or discharge of used oil into soil, surface water, groundwater or sewage systems, and bans the burning of used oil in unauthorized facilities.
To scale its operations, AMAVI has signed a partnership agreement with the Chinese firm Henan Hengyong. The agreement provides oil‑processing equipment and technical training for AMAVI staff, enabling the company to increase production capacity and improve conversion efficiency.
Looking ahead, Djiha said AMAVI plans to industrialise its biodiesel production by 2030. Under the plan, the company aims for a daily output of more than three tonnes of biodiesel, a step that could boost environmental protection, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the local renewable energy sector.
"Looking ahead, AMAVI plans to industrialise its biodiesel production by 2030, targeting a daily output of more than three tonnes," Djiha said.
