Ensekta is a South African alternative protein and food innovation company specialising in commercial cricket farming systems, cricket-based ingredients, and sustainable food production partnerships. Founded in 2019 and based in Gauteng, Ensekta was established to help address a critical global challenge: how to produce scalable, affordable protein with a significantly lower environmental footprint than conventional animal agriculture.
Our core focus is the use of crickets as a high-quality, efficient protein source. Cricket protein requires substantially less land, water, and feed than traditional livestock, while generating far lower greenhouse gas emissions. Ensekta operates at the intersection of food manufacturing, applied biology, and sustainability, positioning the company as a credible partner for food producers exploring alternative protein integration.
Commercial Cricket Farming Innovation
Ensekta has researched and designed the world’s first partially self-contained commercial cricket farming module. The system integrates biosecurity, grow-out, and harvesting functions into a single modular unit, while utilising a separate external nursery for egg hatching.
Rather than relying on internal climate control, the module is designed to operate within a climate-controlled environment. This design choice reduces system complexity, lowers capital and operating costs, and enables deployment within existing infrastructure such as food production facilities, warehouses, and research environments.
This modular architecture enables repeatable, scalable, and commercially viable cricket production, supporting consistent quality and predictable output—key requirements for food production partners evaluating long-term alternative protein supply chains.
Ensekta is currently South Africa’s only commercial cricket farm, operating at a professional standard suitable for food production, applied research, and industry collaboration.
Products, Ingredients, and Partner Applications
Ensekta develops cricket-based ingredients and value-added food products intended for integration into broader food manufacturing, nutrition, and functional food strategies. This includes cricket powder as a protein-dense ingredient suitable for fortification, formulation, and product differentiation.
At present, Ensekta has strategically suspended in-house cricket farming research and development in order to focus on product development, formulation, and partnership-driven commercial opportunities. This shift reflects a deliberate emphasis on near-term market impact through collaboration with established food producers rather than standalone infrastructure expansion.
For food production partners, Ensekta offers:
- Proven technical knowledge of commercial cricket farming systems
- Practical experience in alternative protein production and handling
- Insight into regulatory, operational, and consumer adoption considerations
- A partner-oriented approach to co-development, ingredient supply, and innovation
Leadership and Industry Credibility
Ensekta was founded by Joanne Techow, whose background in zoology and business provides a strong scientific and operational foundation for the company. Joanne is recognised as a thought leader in alternative proteins and sustainable food systems in South Africa.
She has been invited to share Ensekta’s work on Goeie More Good Morning, a national breakfast television programme on DStv’s VIA channel, discussing edible insects, sustainability, and the future of food production.
Sustainability, Policy, and Global Engagement
Ensekta actively contributes to national and international sustainability discourse relevant to food production and protein security. Notable engagements include:
- Serving as guest speakers at the 2023 Sustainability Conference hosted by the Academy for Future Sciences, alongside Dr. Ibrahim Miyaki, former Executive Director of NEPAD.
- Participation in the 2024 South African SDG Voluntary National Review, contributing industry insight through the UN Global Compact Network in support of South Africa’s Sustainable Development Goal reporting.
These engagements demonstrate Ensekta’s commitment to responsible production, policy alignment, and long-term food system resilience.
Our Mission
Ensekta’s mission is to support the transition to resilient, sustainable protein systems by:
- Enabling commercially viable insect-farming technologies
- Developing credible, food-grade alternative protein products
- Supporting South Africa’s role in global food and ingredient innovation
- Aligning with international sustainability and ESG objectives
We work with food production partners who value credible science, disciplined execution, and long-term commercial thinking.
Partnering for the Future of Food
As global demand for protein continues to rise and environmental constraints intensify, Ensekta is focused on building practical, partner-led solutions for alternative protein adoption. Our approach prioritises reliability, regulatory awareness, and real-world manufacturability.
Ensekta is not positioned as a research experiment or consumer novelty.
We are a serious partner for food producers preparing for the future of protein.
