BioEnergy Events and Services (BEES) has announced the expansion of its established international event portfolio with the launch of Bio360 Africa. Scheduled for June 17–18, 2026, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, this inaugural event follows more than twenty years of the organization’s activity in Europe. The exhibition and conference aim to assemble a diverse range of stakeholders, including industrial leaders, investors, and agricultural producers, to address the scaling of bioenergy and circular economy solutions. By transposing the framework of its flagship Nantes-based summit to the African continent, BEES intends to create a dedicated platform for cross-sector collaboration and capacity building within the regional bio-based economy.

The primary challenge addressed by this initiative is the fragmented nature of the bioenergy and carbon removal sectors in Africa. Despite the continent’s significant biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More potential and the urgent need for sustainable soil amendments and energy sources, there remains a disconnect between international investors, technology providers, and local practitioners. Current development is often hindered by a lack of integrated policy frameworks, insufficient access to specialized carbon finance, and limited platforms for large-scale technical exchange. Without a centralized forum to align these disparate interests, the transition from traditional biomass use to sophisticated, grid-connected, or carbon-sequestering industrial applications remains slow.

The solution provided by BEES involves the establishment of a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary summit that prioritizes biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More and carbon management as core thematic pillars. Bio360 Africa is designed to facilitate the transfer of technical expertise and the formation of strategic partnerships through a structured exhibition, a high-level conference, and a study tour. By focusing on specific focus areas—such as Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (BECCUS), carbon removal, and circular agriculture—the event provides a roadmap for integrating biochar production into existing value chains. This professional environment allows startups and public bodies to interact directly with global financiers, effectively lowering the barrier to entry for advanced bioenergy technologies.

The anticipated outcomes of Bio360 Africa include the acceleration of biochar project deployment and the formalization of carbon finance mechanisms within the region. By providing a centralized venue for innovation, BEES expects to stimulate growth in both off-grid and grid-connected bioenergy applications. The event is positioned to catalyze the development of sustainable biomass feedstocks and improve capacity building for local industrial majors. Ultimately, the successful execution of this summit will likely result in increased investment in African carbon removal technologies and more robust integration between the agricultural sector and the emerging circular economy, strengthening South Africa’s role as a regional hub for bio-based industrial development.