In March 2026, the Assistant Minister of Communications and Innovation, Shawn Nthaile, presided over the official launch of the NuCarbon containerized pyrolysis plant at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) in Palapye. This project represents a strategic shift toward a circular economy by converting agricultural residues into high-value industrial outputs. The technology, which originated as doctoral research by Dr. Daniel Botha at BIUST, was developed into a market-ready application through a P1.49 million investment from the Botswana Innovation Fund. This initiative highlights the “Triple Helix” model of development, integrating academic research, government funding, and private sector commercialization to drive national industrial innovation.

The primary challenge addressed by this project is the environmental and logistical burden posed by Botswana’s rapidly expanding poultry sector. As the industry grows to meet domestic demand, the accumulation of poultry litter has created significant waste management hurdles. Conventional disposal methods often fail to capture the economic value of 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, leading to potential environmental degradation and missed opportunities for resource recovery. Furthermore, the lack of localized, scalable technology has historically hindered the transition from academic theory to industrial-scale waste valorization within the region’s agricultural value chains.

NuCarbon’s solution involves a modular, containerized pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More system designed for decentralized deployment. The plant utilizes a thermochemical process to heat poultry litter in an oxygen-depleted environment, preventing combustion while breaking down the organic matter. This process yields multiple commercially viable products, including 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, biodiesel, pyrolytic acid, and light fuel oil. Additionally, the system is engineered to be energy-efficient, generating surplus electricity that can be utilized onsite or integrated back into operations. By utilizing a containerized design, the technology offers the flexibility required for rapid deployment across various agricultural hubs in Botswana.

The outcomes of this launch include the establishment of a proven pathway for local intellectual property to reach the commercial market. The NuCarbon plant effectively “closes the loop” in the poultry value chain by transforming a waste liability into a suite of revenue-generating assets. Beyond waste mitigation, the production of biochar provides a critical tool for improving soil health in Botswana’s semi-arid environment. The project has already secured international recognition and registered intellectual property, positioning Botswana as a regional leader in containerized pyrolysis technology and circular economic practices.