Kemit Ecology, a startup based in Cameroon’s economic capital of Douala, has implemented a system to collect and process urban agricultural waste into ecological charcoalCharcoal is a black, brittle, and porous material produced by heating wood or other organic substances in a low-oxygen environment. It is primarily used as a fuel source for cooking and heating.   More. The initiative focuses on gathering discarded fruit and vegetable debris from local marketplaces and streets, which traditionally contributes to urban pollution. By converting this 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 into a combustible fuel source, the organization aims to provide a renewable alternative to traditional wood-based charcoal, targeting both environmental sanitation and energy needs within the region.

The primary challenge addressed by this initiative is the heavy reliance on wood charcoal, which serves as the principal cooking fuel for the majority of Cameroon’s population. This demand exerts significant pressure on national forest reserves, leading to rapid deforestation and habitat loss. Furthermore, the buildup of organic waste in Douala’s markets creates public health hazards and logistical burdens for municipal waste management services. The lack of sustainable fuel alternatives has historically forced a choice between expensive imported energy or the continued depletion of local timber.

To resolve these issues, Kemit Ecology utilizes a carbonization process to transform organic waste—such as maize husks, plantain peels, and raffia—into “green charcoal.” The startup’s technical process involves drying the collected biomass, carbonizing it in specialized ovens, and then mixing the resulting powder with a natural binder to press into uniform briquettes. This circular economy model effectively redirects tons of organic matter away from landfills and transforms it into a high-energy density fuel suitable for domestic and commercial cooking.

The outcomes of this project include a measurable reduction in urban waste and a decrease in the demand for timber-based fuels. These eco-friendly briquettes burn longer and produce less smoke than traditional charcoal, offering a healthier environment for end-users. By professionalizing the collection and production chain, Kemit Ecology has also created local employment opportunities. The successful adoption of these briquettes suggests a viable path toward mitigating deforestation in Cameroon while improving the cleanliness of its urban centers through the valorization of agricultural residues.