Biophyto

Debt : December 2025

BIO has granted a EUR 2.75 M loan to Biophyto, a Beninese company specialized in bio-pesticides and organic fertilizers.

Amount

€ 2,750,000.00

Type of investment

Debt

Development impacts

Local economic growth
Fight against climate change
Preservation of natural resources

Beneficiary locations

Africa: Benin

Investment field

Enterprises

Activity

C20.15 Manufacture of fertilisers and nitrogen compounds

Organisation

Biophyto

Website

https://biophyto.africa/

Domicile

Bénin

The company was founded in October 2013 and its milestones include obtaining its first commercialization licenses in March 2015, the ECOCERT certification in 2016 and ISO certifications in 2018. Its products are mainly sold in Benin but also neighboring countries, notably Togo. BioPhyto has its own production sites in Allada and Kandi. In 2024, the company has processed approximately 20,300 tons of organic materials (including 901 tons of neem seeds) to produce over 280,000 litres of organic pesticides and 4,000 tons of organic fertilizers, representing a revenue of EUR 2.95M and an EBITDA of EUR 860K. BioPhyto managed to establish highly valued partnerships with local scientific research institutions, as well as with actors of the Belgian Development Cooperation and impact finance (ENABEL, Fondation Roi Baudin, and Kampani).

The project consists in providing BioPhyto EUR 2.75M equivalent in XOF to finance (1) in Bénin, the acquisition of equipment and machinery that will enhance production efficiency enabling BioPhyto to deliver 750,000 litres of bio-pesticides and 50,000 tons of organic fertilizers and compost; and (2) the expansion of its activities in Ivory Coast (a warehouse will be built on a recently acquired land (not part of BIO loan) and production and logistics equipment will be purchased, mainly to produce organic fertilizer on-site). The additional production will be mainly sold in Benin, Ivory Coast, and neighboring countries such as Togo.

Development impacts

Local economic growth
The project drives economic growth by creating around 50 direct jobs and supporting 3,000+ farmers in sustainable agriculture. It generates business opportunities in waste processing, distribution, and sales while reducing reliance on imported fertilizers by expanding local organic input production and exports.
Fight against climate change
The project fights climate change by promoting organic fertilizers and pesticides, cutting GHG emissions from chemical inputs. It scales up a circular economy by converting agricultural waste into compost, reducing waste-related emissions. Additionally, it funds 2MW of solar energy capacity in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, lowering fossil fuel dependence and enhancing sustainable energy access.
Preservation of natural resources
The project preserves natural resources by promoting certified organic fertilizers and pesticides, reducing soil and water pollution. It also minimizes agricultural waste, lowering environmental impacts and supporting sustainable farming practices.

E&S

Biophyto and BIO agreed on an action plan focusing on improving the company’s efforts with regards to obtention of required permits for the new installation in Côte d’Ivoire, E&S formalization via dedicated tools, improvements in working conditions and particularly on health and safety, reduction of (limited) pollution risks.

In spite of the relatively small size, Biophyto has obtained several certifications that have allowed the company to structure and formalize its E&S approach. The company has several policies and procedures in place and is working on implementing them fully.

The Environmental and Social (E&S) classification of the project: B