What Cashew and Cars have in common: the PureLube Innovation Journey

At first glance, cashew farming and the automotive industry may seem worlds apart. But for PureLube, the connection is clear—and it is powered by innovation, creating employment opportunities.

PureLube, is an agribusiness start-up founded in 2024, transforming cashew nut shells into high-quality eco-friendly grease, creating a unique bridge between agriculture and other sectors such as the automotive sector. The start-up’s journey is a compelling example of how circular economy is unlocking new opportunities for farmers and industries alike.

Co-founded by Fareeda B. Mustapha, Najlau Zakaria, Rafiu Abdul Karim and Abubakar Naziru, students from the University for Development Studies, Ghana, Pure Lube journey started as part of the Mastercard Foundation’s program called Initiative for Youth in Agricultural Transformation (IYAT) in partnership with Kosmos Innovation Center. The program trains and equips the next generation of young leaders and entrepreneurs in Ghana’s agriculture sector to drive solutions that unlock growth barriers in key agricultural value chains and create work opportunities for young Ghanaian women and men.

Turning Agricultural By-Products into Industrial Solutions

Cashew is one of Ghana’s important cash crops, yet its by-products—particularly the shells—are often underutilized. PureLube saw an opportunity where others saw waste.

By harnessing the chemical properties of cashew nut shells, the start-up produces durable, high-performance grease suitable for industrial and multipurpose use. This innovation not only introduces a sustainable alternative within the lubricant market but also contributes to: increased value for cashew farmers; reduced agricultural waste; and a more circular and resource-efficient economy.

In doing so, PureLube is demonstrating that agriculture can extend far beyond food production—into industrial applications that drive broader economic value.

From Idea to Recognition

PureLube’s journey started and gained momentum through the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) AgriTech Challenge Programme, where they won seed under of USD25,000. Now part of KIC’s Business Incubation Programme, the team continues to refine its product, business model, and market strategy with the support of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Their innovation has already earned continental recognition. In 2025, PureLube emerged as a winner at the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition, held during the African Food Systems Forum—a testament to the scalability and impact of their solution.

PureLube’s work highlights an often-overlooked reality: agriculture is deeply connected to multiple sectors, including energy, manufacturing, and transportation.

Innovation backed by Purpose

For Fareeda, one of the co-founders, the mission is clear: “At PureLube, we are committed to supporting farmers gain additional income from cashew nut shells while also providing a sustainable solution for industrial use.”

This dual focus—supporting livelihoods while delivering sustainable products—sits at the heart of PureLube’s model.

Celebrating Innovation as KIC marks a decade of entrepreneurial development

As the Kosmos Innovation Center marks its 10-year milestone, PureLube stands out as one of 81 KIC-supported businesses driving innovation across agriculture and beyond.

Their story reflects a broader shift in how agribusiness is being redefined:

• From primary production to value addition
• From linear systems to circular economies
• From isolated sectors to interconnected industries

From cashew farms to car engines, PureLube is proving that the future of agriculture is not just in what we grow—but in what we create from it and the job opportunities it offers for innovators.

At Kosmos Innovation Center, our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under the IYAT program, enables us to create more employment opportunities for young people like Fareeda, Najlau, Abdul and Abubakar.