EcoRestore Africa, a woman-led startup operating in South Africa and Kenya, is implementing a biotechnological approach to soil restoration across the African continent. At the 2026 Africa Green Economy Summit in Cape Town, CEO Chloe Cormack detailed the company’s strategy to combat the degradation of 80% of Africa’s arable land. While 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 is recognized globally for its ability to improve soil fertility and act as a stable carbon sink, the organization highlights that current adoption remains low at approximately 2%. The company’s primary focus is bridging the gap between raw biochar production and the specific biological requirements of localized agricultural environments.

A significant challenge identified by the startup is the inconsistent performance of raw biochar when applied without consideration for local soil chemistry. If biochar is not correctly matched to the destination soil and its existing microbial ecosystems, the material can occasionally be counterproductive. Furthermore, African farmers face a 60% increase in input costs since 2021, driven largely by the rising price of conventional fertilizers. This economic pressure, coupled with declining crop yields in 40% of African countries, necessitates a more precise and affordable soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More strategy than standard biochar application.

To address these issues, EcoRestore Africa has developed a “matchmaking” system that optimizes biochar for specific locations. Rather than producing the biochar itself, the company analyzes soil samples to identify indigenous nutrient-producing microbes. These microbes are then cultured into localized “inoculants” and added to the biochar. This process ensures that the resulting amendment is biologically tailored to the specific region of use. The startup has also established a biochar matchmaking map, the first of its kind, to facilitate the delivery of these customized microbial solutions.

Early outcomes from prototype testing indicate substantial agricultural benefits, including a 200% to 400% increase in 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 and significantly accelerated crop development. The company has secured a two-year commercial agreement with the Klein Constantia winery and is currently seeking $2.4 million in funding to scale operations across the $8.8-billion pan-African regenerative agriculture market. Regulatory approval and early market operations in South Africa and Kenya are expected to commence in the second half of 2026.