Every morning, Jailton Pereira wakes up with a mission—to revolutionize agriculture in Cabo Verde with a sustainable and eco-friendly solution. As the founder of Plant'Agu, he envisions a world where farmers can boost productivity while protecting marine ecosystems. His innovative organic fertilizer not only reduces water consumption by up to 20% but also minimizes the use of harmful pesticides, directly benefiting both the environment and agricultural communities.

Jailton's journey began with a simple but powerful idea: to create a product that enhances soil quality while safeguarding aquatic and marine resources from agricultural contamination. Thanks to his participation in IDEA APP CV, Cabo Verde’s first national online incubation programme for Blue Economy projects, that vision is now becoming a reality. Developed by UNIDO in partnership with Bridge for Billions (B4B), the initiative fosters entrepreneurial culture and facilitates formal economic integration by supporting young entrepreneurs and women in the Blue Economy sector, helping them turn business ideas into viable enterprises. 

The Plant'Agu project was named the big winner of the IDEA APP CV, which is funded by the United Nations Joint SDG Fund under the "Connecting Blue Economy Actors: generating employment, improving livelihoods, and mobilizing resources" initiative. 

Over a five-month period, the programme provided training, mentorship, and structured development opportunities to participants, guiding them in refining their business models. Young entrepreneurs like Jailton gained hands-on support from experienced mentors from all over the world, particularly from Portuguese-speaking African countries. Out of the 28 incubated business plans, 10 finalists were selected to pitch their ideas, with Jailton’s Plant'Agu standing out as the most promising.

"This programme was incredibly rewarding and productive," Jailton shares. "It didn’t just help me shape my business, it also connected me with a network of like-minded entrepreneurs and experts who share my passion for sustainable innovation. It helped me structure my business idea, from expenses and market strategy to long-term viability. But more than that, it gave me visibility and the chance to connect with key players in the Cabo Verdean economy."

Like many young entrepreneurs, Jailton faces one of Cabo Verde’s biggest challenges—access to financing. The Blue Economy is still a relatively new sector in the country, and many financial institutions view it as a high-risk investment. However, Jailton remains optimistic. With the knowledge and tools gained from IDEA APP CV, he now feels more confident approaching financial institutions and presenting the solid financial projections of Plant'Agu. 

To turn his vision into reality, Jailton is seeking crucial support from government institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the National Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, the Ministry of the Sea, and the National Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Gaining access to land and securing the necessary licenses to produce and market his organic fertilizer are the next steps.

More than just a business, Plant'Agu represents an opportunity for farmers to improve yields while reducing their environmental impact. Jailton’s story is a testament to the power of innovation, mentorship, and perseverance. Thanks to IDEA APP CV, a new generation of entrepreneurs is emerging, ready to shape a more sustainable future for Cabo Verde’s Blue Economy.