Support offered by BioInnovation Africa
The BioInnovation Africa project supports initiatives to research and commercially develop new plant species that can open up new sources of income for local communities. This research could include the selection and evaluation of new indigenous species, assessing the potential of different uses of a known resource, or investigating the potential marketing of by-products. Access to new markets is facilitated through information on compliance, advisory activities on regulations and policies and support in the development of market dossiers.
Partnership example
As consumers increasingly seek natural and sustainable ingredients for their cosmetic products, a unique partnership is taking root in Madagascar. Four companies, namely SweetMom, Jacarandas International, Jacarandas Sarl, and Bio.Es.Oil are joining forces to unlock the potential of Madagascar’s rich biodiversity. Their mission is to provide value to waste products and create innovative, natural cosmetics that will captivate global and national markets while uplifting local communities.
SweetMom, a young, woman-led company based in France, leads the formulation of these products, meeting the rising demand for eco-friendly skin-care solutions. Jacarandas International, a French company with expertise in essential oils, helps bring natural ingredients to the global market while promoting sustainable practices. In Madagascar, Jacarandas Sarl works with local farmers to secure a steady supply of Ylang ylang and Avocado and provides technical support. Meanwhile, Bio.Es.Oil, a specialist in organic essential oils, supplies Ginger and Ravintsara and ensures the organic quality of the ingredients. BioInnovation Africa supports these efforts especially at the producer level by promoting biodiversity protection and empowering local suppliers with stronger sustainability measures.
Since the cosmetic industry is highly competitive, innovative formulations and products are essential for staying ahead in the market. At the same time, new approaches must be developed to address industry’s significant reliance on natural resources. The partnership addresses these challenges by focusing on innovation and market access. They conduct research and analysis on the by-products of the four resources, Ylang ylang, Ravintsara, Avocado, and Ginger, to explore their potential for commercialisation. These natural ingredients are valued for their beneficial effects for skin: Ylang ylang soothes and calms, Ravintsara stimulates regeneration, Ginger tonifies and improves elasticity, and Avocado deeply moisturizes. The joint efforts of the companies diversify and elevate Madagascar’s biodiversity by enhancing the use of its resources in new cosmetic formulations. Their goal is to promote these products in both international and national markets, creating new opportunities for local producers and businesses.
Yet, this collaboration goes beyond cosmetics, striving to create meaningful change for rural communities and the environment. The development of new derivative products will support progress toward a decent living income for small-scale farmers. At the same time the project partners are engaged to strengthen existing value chains through a Zero Waste approach—such as converting distillation sludge into compost to improve soil health. By also supporting reforestation initiatives and environmental education, local communities are provided with further tools to protect their natural resources.
Moreover, the project supports cooperatives in joining formal structures, strengthening their governance and management, to ensure long-term economic resilience. This initiative fosters sustainable livelihoods, ecological restoration, and community growth, proving that ethical business practices can drive real impact.
“This upcycling project is fully aligned with our vision of sustainability. It allows us to give a second life to by-products that were previously considered waste, transforming them into valuable ingredients with high potential for natural cosmetics.”
— Mima Randriantsoa, Co-founder, Jacarandas Sarl and CEO Tomad
