Linking Research to Entrepreneurship: How Dr Never Zekeya is leading scientific innovation through Plant Biodefenders Ltd

In Tanzania and across sub-Saharan African countries, farmers face devastating losses due to invasive pests like Tuta absoluta (tomato pinworm) and fall armyworm — aggressive invaders which originate from South America. These pests attack vital crops like tomato, maize and other solanaceous crops, with current control methods relying heavily on chemical pesticides. However, this method has proven to be both ineffective and unsustainable. The pests quickly develop resistance over a short period of time, and the overuse of synthetic chemicals poses serious threats to human health, the environment and biodiversity causing massive food losses.

In pursuit of a solution, Dr. Never Zekeya, a PhD graduate in Life Sciences from the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology and a RUFORUM Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) Programme beneficiary, decided to turn her scientific research on ‘Occurrence, seasonal variation, and management of Tuta absoluta on tomato in Tanzania’ into a practical solution. In 2019, she founded Plant Biodefenders Ltd, an African homegrown biotechnology company focused on eco-friendly pest control products. By 2020, the company was fully operational, manufacturing the groundbreaking Vuruga Biocide — a patented, organic biopesticide that is safe, affordable, effective and proudly African.

Vuruga Biocide: A sustainable solution for African Agriculture

Unlike synthetic pesticides, Vuruga Biocide shows no pest resistance, is harmless to non-target organisms, and is suitable for integrated pest management (IPM) systems. It is organically certified and has earned national and regional patents; TZ/P/2018/000035 and Africa Regional Patent No. AP 6904, respectively.

The product’s cost and organic composition is a major competitive advantage: it’s 50% cheaper and more organic than other biopesticides, allowing smallholder farmers to protect their crops without breaking the bank. Additionally, Plant Biodefenders sells its products to local input suppliers, agricultural companies, and directly to farmers, generating a sustainable margin of around USD 3.00 per liter, maintaining its affordability.

From research to marketable products

In addition to Vuruga Biocide, Plant Biodefenders has made commendable strides in its efforts to broaden its product line. Notably, the company has patented and commercialised six (6) additional products, including:

1. Biofertilizer formulations(TZ/P/2025/000195)
2. Fungal biopesticide for moth pests(TZ/P/2024/000195)
3. Plant bioenhancer and biopesticide techniques(AP 6904)
4. Vector biopesticide for animal disease control(TZ/P/2020/000119)
5. COVIBA DAWA, a herbal tea for infectious and non-communicable diseases (TZ/P/2021/000051)

Through these innovations, the company directly supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) namely, SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Particularly, Vuruga Biocide’s triple-action formula not only controls pests but also improves soil fertility and attracts pollinators, boosting yields and promoting food security.

Challenges and opportunities for the road ahead

Despite its remarkable impact, Plant Biodefenders faces challenges familiar to many African biotech startups. Market penetration is low due to limited awareness and mind-shift among traditional farmers. Moreover, financial constraints and a lack of investors in biotechnology make scaling up a slow and complex process.

To advance broader impact, Dr. Zekeya stresses the need for:

• Increased financial support for mass production and broader distribution
• Strategic partnerships with local and regional actors for market access and distribution
• Enhanced visibility and strategic marketing efforts for brand/product awareness

She also calls for regional collaboration, especially through RUFORUM and the East African Community (EAC) ,to scale and support ongoing agricultural initiatives by Africans for Africans.

Dr Never Zekeya, Founder and CEO of Plant Biodefenders

Recognized excellence and global impact

Dr. Zekeya’s efforts have not been in vain nor have they gone unnoticed. She has earned multiple national and international recognitions for her innovation and company service:

• 21^st May 2025, Won the National Intellectual Property Awards (NIPA) as Leading Woman Innovator for Intellectual Property for Social Impact, awarded by Ministry of Industry and Trade-BRELA in Tanzania
• 21^st May 2025, Won National Intellectual Property Awards (NIPA) as Leading Individual in Patent Filings awarded by the Ministry of Industry and Trade-BRELA in Tanzania
• 24-28 February 2025, Selected among the 5 finalists for pitching in Ocean Innovation Summit on Blue Economy in Dar es salaam https://tranquilitynews.com/tanzanian-female-prime-mover-bags-awards-of-note-for-innovation-patent-filing/https://tranquilitynews.com/tanzanian-female-prime-mover-bags-awards-of-note-for-innovation-patent-filing/

• 2024, First Prize Winner of Agroecological Food Futures Prize (AFFP) for East Africa in Rwanda

• From March to June 2024, Won European Coimbra Research Award for Young Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa, in University of Barcelona -Spain

• 20 – 22 February 2024, nominated to pitch in Ocean Innovation Week on Blue Economy in Cape Town, South Africa

• November 2023, nominated as the best innovator from Tanzania at the SLUSH Conference in Helsinki-Finland

• October 2023, received a recognition for best innovator for Sustainable Agriculture in Tanzania, by the German President (https://tranquilitynews.com/scholar-from-college-of-african-wildlife-management-mweka-wins-german-presidents-kudos/)
• August 2023, received recognition by the President of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu for innovative solution in Agriculture during the Farmers Fair in Nanenane, Mbeya
• May 2021, received a certificate and prize award for Best Innovator in Vector Control Biotechnology awarded by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology-COSTECH
• July 2020, received a certificate and prize award for Best Innovator from Research in Leather Processing Biotechnology awarded by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology-COSTECH

• 2019, received a certificate and cash prize award for Best Innovator in new Biopesticide by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology-COSTECH
• 2017, Won a cash prize and certificate for Best Innovative Research from Africa at the Society for Invertebrate Pathology in California, USA.

Dr. Zekeya’s journey demonstrates how research is tied to community needs and how innovation is motivated by purpose. Plant Biodefenders is well-positioned to lead Africa’s green and resilient future beyond the 21^st century, with support from research institutions, investors, and regional alliances.