Developed during the SEED4AFRICA national hackathon in Benin, AQUAPONICS is an innovative agribusiness initiative that promotes the responsible use of water while strengthening food security in Benin. The business idea is built around aquaponics, an integrated production system that combines fish farming and vegetable cultivation in a closed-loop cycle, optimising natural resources and reducing environmental impact.
At the core of the initiative is a recirculating production model in which water from fish tanks, enriched with natural nutrients, is reused to grow vegetables. This process drastically reduces water consumption compared to conventional agriculture while eliminating the need for synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. By preventing the discharge of untreated aquaculture wastewater, the system also contributes to the protection of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
AQUAPONICS is both innovative and locally adapted. The project proposes low-cost aquaponics systems tailored to rural contexts, incorporating solar renewable energy to manage water circulation and system components. This design makes the technology accessible to small-scale producers while increasing resilience to water scarcity, soil degradation and climate change.
Beyond production, the business offers a diversified portfolio of products and services, including healthy fish and vegetables, locally adapted aquaponics systems and knowledge transfer. Training and capacity-building are central to the model, ensuring that producers can effectively manage the systems and replicate them sustainably across communities.
By integrating sustainable aquaculture, organic horticulture and renewable energy, AQUAPONICS fully embodies the SEED4AFRICA vision of innovative, climate-smart and inclusive agribusiness solutions that support long-term food security and environmental stewardship in Africa.