The demand for animal-based protein sources is increasing due to the combined effects of the growing human population and rising standards of living in developing countries, coupled with the rising cost of raw materials for animal feed, many of these associated to climate change, deforestation and loss of biodiversity, requires the search for more sustainable production systems and alternative sources of animal protein. Insects are considered one of the best alternatives to be used as a source of protein for feed and food, due to the low environmental impact and the low costs generated during their production. Some insects can feed on organic streams, turning these into high-quality protein and organic fertilizers, i.e. insects have the potential to become an important asset in the development of a circular economy. The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) can not only be fed on organic waste or by-products of agribusinesses but are alternative ingredients with high nutritional content for different animals. This project aims to (i) assess the effect the nutritional quality of different types of substrates or diets have on body composition of BSF larvae, (ii) possible chemical, physical and biological risks associated with these larvae, and (iii) explore growth performance and body composition of red tilapia fed on this BSF meal. The data generated in this project will address current research gaps concerning the nutritional quality and food safety issues related to the use of alternative insect feeds throughout the production chain. The data generated in this project will be vital for opening doors to sustainable large-scale production of this species in Colombia, their inclusion as tilapia feed, and to strengthen research and business relationships between Norway and Colombia.