Strategic Investment Sets the Stage for Growth
Amesect has taken a major step forward in its mission to revolutionize organic waste management through black soldier fly (BSF) technology. DWA Investments has joined forces with Amesect, investing R2.3 million for a 10% equity stake, valuing the company at R23 million.
The deal, concluded in July 2025, accelerates Amesect’s plans to bring its Micro Magic³ prototype into customer testing. This phase aims to prove the cost-benefit of processing organic waste directly at source, a sharp contrast to the traditional centralized BSF farming model that relies on transporting waste to a single processing facility.
Cracking the Black Soldier Fly Industry
Unlike most BSF operations in South Africa, Amesect follows a decentralized approach — deploying mobile, modular, climate-controlled chambers directly at the waste producer’s site. By eliminating transport costs, Amesect opens the door for any waste generator to unlock the potential of BSF technology and generate revenue from their waste, not just those close to large-scale processing facilities.
“The key to unlocking the potential of the black soldier fly industry lies in a viable decentralized approach,” says Dave Stewart, responsible for business development at Amesect. “Margins are tight, so production costs must be minimized while maximizing the value of our outputs. This investment allows us to prove exactly that.”
– Dave Stewart, Amesect Business Development
Minimizing Costs, Maximizing Yield
The engineering mind behind the Magic³ concept, Brendes Gresse, explains the innovation driving Amesect’s model:
“We pack more larvae into each cubic meter than competitors and shorten the harvest time — while ensuring that the residue, or frass, remains in optimal condition for easy separation,” says Gresse. “Our patented separation technology, nicknamed ‘Mobi Dick’ after the long struggle to solve a major challenge, allows seamless processing. Plus, our systems harness the larvae’s own metabolic heat to reduce energy input — achieving better yields at lower costs.”
– Brendes Gresse, Amesect Engineer
Creating High Value in the Supply Chain
The next frontier is increasing the value of products derived from the larvae. This is where Dr. Elsje Pieterse, a veteran in BSF research and product development, leads the charge.
“We’re moving beyond traditional protein production,” says Dr. Pieterse. “Our goal is to develop high-value products for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries — where the real potential lies. We already have lab-scale proof of concept with some products, and the next step is pilot-scale production.”
– Dr. Elsje Pieterse, Amesect R&D
Initially, proof-of-concept testing for the Magic³ will focus on established products such as fish feed and organic fertilizer, while ongoing R&D explores premium applications.
“Let’s just say there’s a twist in innovation coming,” Dr. Pieterse adds with a smile.
Amesect’s Next Steps
Amesect has already embarked on a collaborative circular economy project with Grootbos and Natimby, converting restaurant waste into a circular economy approach. (Read more here.)
“Our next goal is to scale up with our larger unit, the Major Magic³, to prove concept across bigger waste streams,” says Dave Stewart. “If we can demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits with conventional products — plus a bit of our signature innovation — we’ll be ready to manufacture systems for waste producers nationwide.”
Harnessing Nature to Heal the Planet
Through its partnership with DWA Investments and its commitment to continuous innovation, Amesect is well-positioned to crack the black soldier fly (BSF) industry and lead the transformation toward decentralized, sustainable organic waste management across South Africa.
At Amesect, our dream goes far beyond managing waste — we aim to turn organic waste from a pollutant of air and water into a source of healing, value, and opportunity. From developing bio-based materials with potential in medical research and health innovation, to creating jobs and restoring ecosystems, our mission is to make waste part of the solution, not the problem.
Our vision is embedded in our name itself. Amesect is derived from Ameliorate Insect — where ameliorate means to make something better, to improve it, or to lessen its negative effects. It reflects our belief that through science, innovation, and collaboration, we can harness the humble insect to ameliorate the planet — one waste stream at a time.
