South Africa’s biochar sector is reaching an important turning point. For the first time, a unique group of pioneering producers, technology developers and early-stage project leaders will come together for an open discussion on the realities of building a biochar industry within the African context. Drawing on hands-on experience from organisations including B10 Char, PyroSA / Pyronam, Phambili Global, MyCHARR, Aquagel and Nhlamunyiko Group, the session will offer delegates a rare opportunity to hear directly from those navigating the technical, operational, financial and market realities of scaling biochar projects in Southern Africa. Through the sharing of individual journeys — each shaped by different feedstocks, technologies, markets, financing pathways and operational contexts — the discussion will help reveal a broader collective experience of the sector, highlighting both the recurring challenges faced across projects and the areas where approaches are beginning to diverge as the market evolves.
Rather than theoretical discussions, the session will focus on practical lessons learned from real projects, real deployment challenges and real commercial experiences encountered along the way. The discussion will explore how producers and developers are approaching feedstock selection, technology pathways, carbon certification, market development and commercial positioning, while also examining where the strongest opportunities are emerging across agriculture, industry, carbon removal and the wider bioeconomy. Delegates can expect candid insight into the successes, setbacks and unexpected realities encountered by first movers in the sector, as well as perspectives on what is still needed — from policy support and infrastructure to financing mechanisms, partnerships and market confidence — to help accelerate biochar deployment across Africa. Together, these collective experiences will help provide a grounded and forward-looking picture of where the African biochar sector stands today and where it could realistically evolve over the coming decade.