Jatropha In Africa - Mozambique, Ghana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

Africa is now the second largest area of jatropha cultivation, with several Commercial-scale plantations under development. Since 2005 several African nations have used private sector investment strategies and are now benefiting from the establishment of larger scale jatropha plantations.

The most promising cultivation regions are based in

Mozambique

Mozambique is widely seen as having the largest potential for jatropha production. The International Energy Agency estimated that Mozambique could produce nearly 3 million barrels of oil a day of liquid biofuels from non-food crop resources such as jatropha.

Ghana

Ghana is now planning a 12,000 hectare project with South Africa-based BD-1 Group. Ghana has also received interest in jatropha production from Petrobras, EniSpA, Entaban and Juanx Lioret.

Tanzania

In Tanzania, UK-based Sun Biofuels has committed nearly $20 million to jatropha production and a biodiesel processing plant.

There are plans for expansion in other African countries as well, including Malawi, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar. Given the increasing support from private sector stakeholders, lower costs of production, and the ideal growing climate, Biodiesel 2020 forecasts longterm, sustained investments and growth in Africa-based jatropha production.

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posted by Sudha @ 9:47 PM