Virunga Biotech

Virunga Biotech was founded in 2017 with the ambition of expanding Rwanda’s export market to Europe. Rwanda’s favourable climate and strong agricultural economy is ideal for the growth of internationally sought-after produce. Virunga have already established themselves in harvesting, cleaning, and packaging chillies for the European market. Now, they have purchased a bubble and ozone washing machine to meet high European standards for premium products.

By listening to the premium product needs of the market, and introducing a high-standard cleaning system, Virunga are working to increase the quality and quantity of export market produce. This in turn will enable farmers to earn a consistent wage at a higher rate than if they were producing for the local market – connecting the farmers with the market and ensuring a much more stable income.

European export standards have long dictated farmer practice around the world. The Rwandan government, implementing European regulations, require any export farmers to use shed nets to reduce pests and pesticide residue. However, this results in a significant cost-outlay for local farmers. Virunga Biotech’s new bubble and ozone washing machine reduces crop residue to such an extent that shed nets are no longer required, thus reducing the cost to the farmer.

From their new site in the Eastern Province, Rwamagana District, Virunga Biotech is processing chili harvests from local farmers, and they have a keen eye on other markets going forward. The efficiency of the new machinery will enable Virunga to expand their line of produce for export: avocadoes, broccoli, and even perishable items like French beans. They also plan to hire their machinery out to other companies, creating an additional business income stream.

As part of CIRF Cohort 2, Virunga are seeking long-term solutions to energy and waste challenges. Electricity is one of their largest business costs, so they hope to find innovative ways to power their new machinery. They also want to prevent the need for landfill by finding a positive solution to spoilt food that would otherwise go to waste. Though they currently have a small composting unit, the new machinery processes 60 metric tons of produce per day, with a 10% loss rate, too much for their existing composting system. The Virunga team are keen to find a better circular solution that avoids the need for landfill.

Virunga Biotech employs 7 full time contract staff and 551 casual workers.