Nambu Group: Fortifying sustainable food systems with insect protein in South Africa

Climate change, global pandemics, and regional conflicts have exposed how vulnerable the current global food system is to disruptions in production and delivery. On the other hand, the global population continues to grow rapidly, increasing the demand for food. According to FAO, global food production increases alone will not be sufficient to  ensure food security for everyone. Protein scarcity for populations as well as livestock will be a growing concern, leaving alternative food production options like insect farming to become a key component of sustainable food production, particularly seen in Africa. Global demand for alternative proteins and oils is projected to reach 500,000 metric tons by 2030, primarily driven by the pet food and aquafeed markets.

With the above projections in consideration, The Nambu Group was established in South Africa in 2018 as an insect protein company, which transforms food waste into nutritious, environmentally friendly feed for chickens, pigs, fish and pets. This is achieved by feeding food and organic waste to the larvae of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens), which was chosen since farming can be done on a large scale while producing a high protein yield. While consumption of insects by humans has not been predominantly adopted as of yet, Nambu is working on improving the processes of producing high-protein Black Soldier Fly feed for domesticated animals and nutrient-rich compost.

As this alternative food production option provides a sustainable solution for waste disposal, the Nambu Group is also building a waste management service. It is looking to offer sustainable recycling solutions for businesses generating large amounts of food waste. By utilising Black Soldier Fly farming methods, Nambu’s recycling process is looking to produce 50% less Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) than traditional composting and landfill methods. This allows Nambu Group to counter criticism that the insect farming industry utilizes only expensive, high-quality feed inputs like cereals and grains, distinguishing its process from similar companies in regions like the EU, where regulatory restrictions prohibit feeding waste to insects. The sustainable business model of the company has allowed it to attract ZAR 2.5 million (~$ 130,000) in funding over 2 rounds. Their latest funding was raised in 2023 from a Seed round with an impact investor, E-squared.

Nambu’s innovative solution is focused on building a circular economy, addressing South Africa’s food waste problem and providing a positive net impact on its environment with an aim to expand across the African continent. It is also working on providing training and employment opportunities to contribute to the industry and also address the high unemployment rate in the Eastern Cape province of the country. The methodologies employed require minimal technicalities and are easily replicable. The insect protein market is forecasted to reach $4.6 billion by 2027, boosted by efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage sustainable food sources. With E-squared funding, Nambu is looking to expand its research and development and build further product services for a “more resilient and sustainable food system that drives regenerative agricultural practices, nutrient recycling, employment creation and equitable wealth generation.”