Entobox Ghana: strengthening circular food systems

Entobox: a locally developed circular solution

Entobox is developed by West African Feeds Ltd(WAF), a Ghanaian company working at the intersection of feed production, circular economy and entrepreneurship. WAF focuses on developing locally embedded solutions that use available resources, support local businesses, and strengthen regional value chains.

The Entobox solution is based on black soldier fly (BSF) farming, a circular production process in which organic waste streams are converted into valuable protein and nutrient-rich products. While BSF is widely used as an ingredient for animal feed, it also has applications in other markets, including ingredients for aquaculture, pet food and, increasingly, food and bio-based products.

In addition, the remaining by-products can be used as organic fertilizer. This circular approach addresses several challenges simultaneously, including waste management, diversification of protein sources, affordability of feed and food ingredients, and the resilience of local food systems.

Feasibility and pilot

In this project TNO as lead partner is collaborating with WAF and New Generation Nutrition (NGN Ltd). The project is a Small Business Innovation Research project (SBIR) funded by the Enterprise Agency of the Netherlands. We concluded a feasibility study and are now piloting the new solution. Together we are working on:

• developing and refining the Entobox production setup,
• analysing local waste streams and feed markets,
• and jointly strengthening the organisational and business concept underpinning the solution.

Based on these preparatory activities, the project has now entered the pilot phase. The Entobox pilot in Ghana has started, allowing the partners to test technical performance, operational processes and market assumptions in practice.

TNO’s role: collaborative business modelling for scale and impact

Within the SBIR Entobox project, TNO supports the initiative through collaborative business modelling. Together with the partners, TNO works on:

• strengthening and stress-testing the business model,
• identifying pathways for scale-up beyond the pilot phase,
• and aligning technological, organisational and financial aspects.

TNO brings a system perspective, connecting technology development with entrepreneurship, partnerships and long-term impact. This collaborative approach helps translate a promising technical solution into a viable and scalable business proposition.

Looking ahead

The SBIR Entobox project in Ghana runs until the end of 2026. In the coming period, the focus will be on learning from the pilot, further strengthening the business model and exploring pathways for replication and scale-up.

By combining local development (WAF), technical expertise (NGN) and collaborative business modelling (TNO), the project illustrates how TNO contributes to innovation journeys that connect technology, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.