In brief
Benin’s AMAVI, founded by Carmel Djiha, has converted 150 000 litres of cooking oil into soap and biofuel since 2023, working with restaurants and a Chinese partner to boost renewable energy and curb pollution. The company plans to build an industrial biodiesel plant by 2030, aiming for 3 t/day output, aligning with Benin’s environmental laws and public‑health goals.
On November 1, 2026, in Ouedo‑Kpossidja, about 40 kilometres north of Cotonou, Benin’s AMAVI company announced a new phase of turning discarded cooking oil into useful products such as soap and biofuel, a strategy that could reduce pollution and supply renewable energy to the region.
AMAVI, led by founder Carmel Djiha, sources used cooking oil from more than a hundred hotels and restaurants in the area. The collected oil undergoes thorough filtration and settling to separate water and solid residues before it is processed further.
After cleaning, the oil can be transformed into soap for domestic use or converted into biodiesel that powers generators and agricultural machinery, offering a practical alternative to burning waste or allowing it to contaminate waterways.
Since beginning operations in 2023, the company has recycled over 150,000 liters of cooking oil, a volume that highlights the scale of the waste stream and the potential for renewable product creation in Benin.
Djiha warned that improper disposal of cooking oil can lead to cancer and respiratory problems for humans while also damaging soil and aquatic ecosystems. Benin’s 2003 legislation prohibits dumping or burning used oil in environments where it could pollute water or soil, a framework that AMAVI’s activities reinforce.
“Consuming used cooking oil is harmful to human health and can cause cancer and respiratory problems in the long term,”
“This is why we must redirect the waste into productive uses rather than let it become an environmental and public health hazard.” —Djiha, AMAVI founder.
AMAVI’s efforts have attracted international collaboration. The company signed an agreement with China’s Henan Hengyong, which supplies oil‑processing equipment and offers technical training to AMAVI staff, enhancing the company’s capabilities in waste conversion.
“Looking ahead,” Djiha said, “we intend to industrialise biodiesel production by 2030, targeting an output of more than three tonnes per day, which will strengthen our contribution to environmental protection, public health and greenhouse‑gas emission reduction.”
“The partnership with Henan Hengyong allows us to scale up our operations and improve the quality of our biofuel to meet international standards.” —Henan Hengyong representative.
The development underscores a growing trend in Benin toward circular economy practices that intertwine environmental stewardship with renewable energy generation. By converting waste oil into soap and biodiesel, AMAVI not only reduces pollution but also creates a local source of cleaner fuel, supporting the country’s energy diversification goals.
For communities near Cotonou, the project offers both a cleaner environment and potential economic benefits, as increased demand for processed oil fuels local employment and reduces the need for imported fuels. As AMAVI expands, it may inspire similar initiatives across West Africa, drawing attention to the value of turning everyday waste into resources that protect human health and ecosystems alike.
