In a major boost for Ghana’s growing innovation ecosystem, local startup AgriMercarb has been selected to participate in a high-profile investor showcase in London, as part of the inaugural Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, a programme backed by the UK Government.
AgriMercarb, a four-year-old waste-to-value agritech company, co-founded by Luther Jesse Quarshie, is one of 19 startups chosen from more than 1,400 applications across 44 countries and territories. The recognition positions the company among the most promising innovators in the Commonwealth.
The start-up will present its ground-breaking solution to investors, development partners and industry leaders at an exclusive showcase hosted by Imperial College London, one of the world’s most prestigious universities and a global hub for science-driven entrepreneurship.
The London pitch marks the climax of the six-month Commonwealth Start-up Fellowship, an initiative developed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), in partnership with Imperial Enterprise Lab and Imperial Global Ghana.
The Fellowship supports entrepreneurs from low-and-middle-income Commonwealth countries to scale their businesses, create jobs and deliver solutions to global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity and waste management.
Transforming Waste into Economic Opportunity
AgriMercarb is pioneering a circular economy model for agricultural and organic waste in Ghana. By applying biotechnology, the company converts organic waste into high-quality animal feed, organic fertiliser and renewable energy inputs.
“AgriMercarb is focused on creating net-zero waste communities by transforming organic waste into animal feed, fertiliser and energy,” said Luther Jesse Quarshie, CEO and co-founder, in a virtual interview with The Chronicle, facilitated by Imperial College.
The company’s process begins with waste collection from agricultural, industrial and household sources.
The waste is pre-treated with microorganisms to break down complex organic matter. Black soldier fly larvae are then introduced to the substrate.
Within 8–10 days, the larvae consume the waste, converting it into protein-rich biomass that serves as animal and fish feed. The remaining residue is processed into bio-fertiliser for crop production.
Luther Jesse Quarshie emphasised the efficiency of this system: “Our process produces fertiliser six times faster than traditional composting. It offers an environmentally sustainable and economically viable alternative to synthetic inputs.”
AgriMercarb’s products are already in use by livestock and fish farmers, feed mills and crop producers across Ghana, demonstrating both commercial viability and social impact.
Luther Jesse Quarshie credits Ghana’s entrepreneurial spirit as a driver of the company’s success: “Ghanaians have an entrepreneurial mindset – many aspire to build something of their own. This fosters innovation and business creation. As the gateway of Africa, Ghana offers a peaceful and vibrant environment for collaboration and investment. With the right exposure and support, we can build impactful solutions and global partnerships.”
Asked how he feels ahead of the London showcase, Luther Jesse Quarshie expressed both pride and responsibility: “I am honoured to be one of 19 selected for this year’s Fellowship – and the only Ghanaian. It is a privilege to represent my country and continent, and I am determined to make Africa proud.”
On his motivation, Luther Jesse Quarshie explained that his journey is fuelled by impact rather than profit:“I wanted to create science-oriented solutions to real environmental and agricultural challenges. Innovation, curiosity, and perseverance have shaped my path.”
He likened his resilience to the soaring eagle: “The eagle leverages storms to fly higher while other birds seek shelter. In Africa, our challenges are like storms – not meant to frighten us, but to strengthen us. We must learn to harness those storms to create lasting solutions.”
Quarshie urged African youth to adopt a similar mindset: “Instead of complaining and criticising, young people should forge ahead, innovate, and build. That’s how we create a sustainable future.”
Support from Imperial and the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship offers participants intensive training, mentorship, business coaching, and access to £35,000 in equity-free grant funding through the Fellows Fund, supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The programme began with a two-week bootcamp in Accra, hosted by Imperial Global Ghana, followed by five months of online masterclasses, mentoring sessions and expert panels.
Fellows also gained access to a powerful international network of academics, investors and entrepreneurs.
Clare Turner, Associate Director at Imperial Global Ghana, praised the 2025 cohort: “The visionary innovators from this Fellowship are bringing the ideas, energy and ingenuity to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
“We are proud to support these exceptional entrepreneurs through stronger international networks and collaborations.”
Professor Kevin Ibeh, a Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner, highlighted the transformative role of the Fellowship:
“AgriMercarb’s participation in the London showcase reflects the Fellowship’s potential to catalyse change. By supporting entrepreneurs like Luther Jesse Quarshie, we are investing in scalable solutions to global challenges – from food security to climate resilience.”
About the Fellowship
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a landmark programme supporting high-potential startups from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
The 2025 cohort includes innovators from India, Malawi, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria and Cameroon, working across agriculture, health, energy, and fintech.
