Africa's agricultural waste can become one of its most valuable climate assets — and today, Biochar Industrial Group (BIG) launches to make that real. We provide on-site Biochar-as-a-Service to agricultural processing facilities and earn verified carbon removal credits for corporate buyers, turning residue that used to be burned into biochar, climate impact, and revenue.
BIG was established to help agribusinesses turn agricultural waste into valuable climate solutions through biochar production and carbon credit development. As a technical partner to Releaf Earth, BIG provided Biochar-as-a-Service, supporting the conversion of palm kernel shell waste into high-quality biochar while also helping facilitate the sale of verified carbon credits to global technology companies.
What biochar is, and why it matters
Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich material produced by heating biomass such as agricultural residues in a low-oxygen environment. When applied to soil, biochar can help improve soil structure, increase water and nutrient retention, and support healthier crop growth. It also stores carbon in a durable form, making it a powerful tool for carbon removal while creating co-benefits for farmers, agribusinesses, and local communities.
This partnership demonstrated what is possible when agricultural processors treat waste not as a disposal problem, but as a climate and commercial opportunity. By converting palm kernel shells into biochar, Releaf Earth was able to reduce waste, create a durable carbon removal product, and unlock an additional revenue stream through carbon markets.
The team behind BIG
BIG is led by a strong technical and operational team:
- Ikenna Nzewi — Chief Executive Officer
- Uzoma Ayogu — Chief Technology Officer
- Isaiah Udotong — Chief Operating Officer
Together, the team brings deep experience in agribusiness, engineering, climate technology, and carbon removal project development.
"Biochar Industrial Group was born from a simple belief: Africa's agricultural waste can become one of its most valuable climate assets. Through our work with Releaf Earth, we have seen how palm kernel shells and other biomass residues can be converted into biochar, durable carbon removal credits, and new revenue streams for agribusinesses. BIG is our opportunity to scale that model beyond one facility or one value chain, and to help more processors turn waste into climate and commercial value." — Ikenna Nzewi, CEO, Biochar Industrial Group
The opportunity across Africa
Across Africa, agribusinesses generate millions of tonnes of agricultural residues every year, from palm kernel shells and rice husks to cashew shells, cocoa pods, and other biomass waste. Much of this waste is burned, dumped, or underutilized. BIG exists to change that.
Through its Biochar-as-a-Service model, BIG partners with agribusinesses to assess their waste streams, convert suitable biomass into biochar, and develop carbon credit pathways that can generate additional income while supporting soil health, climate resilience, and durable carbon removal.
The waste is not worthless. It is unpriced.
Partner with BIG
BIG is now inviting agribusinesses, agro-processors, and farmer-facing organizations with consistent biomass waste streams to explore partnership opportunities.
If your business produces agricultural waste, BIG can help you convert it into biochar, carbon credits, and a new revenue stream for your operations.
To partner with Biochar Industrial Group, kindly fill out our form and apply to start turning waste into climate value.