The INP-HB, through its Centre of Excellence for Valorization of Local Products (CEA VALOPRO), officially inaugurated the Master’s program in Circular Economy, Ecological Transition, and Sustainable Development (ECOTEDD). This significant launch took place during an introductory seminar held in Angré on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Under the compelling theme, “Sustainable Africa, Resilient Côte d’Ivoire: CSR and Circular Economy as Levers for a New Development Model,” the gathering brought together a diverse group of national and international experts, public sector leaders, private industry stakeholders, and technical partners. Discussions revolved around critical issues concerning ecological transition and the transformation of economic paradigms across the African continent.
Professor Benjamin Yao, the esteemed coordinator of CEA VALOPRO, set the tone by emphasizing the strategic importance of this initiative. He highlighted its aim to provide “highly informative content” and to facilitate media access to leading experts, thereby promoting wider understanding of pressing environmental challenges.
Throughout various panel discussions, speakers presented a comprehensive overview of the continent’s environmental hurdles. These included complex waste management issues, widespread deforestation, the imperative of energy transition, and the persistent difficulties in securing climate financing.
For Professor Benjamin Yao, the circular economy emerges as a highly suitable response to Africa’s unique realities. “The circular economy is fundamentally an economy focused on value conservation. What we categorize as waste today holds the potential to become a valuable resource tomorrow,” he articulated, illustrating his point with concrete examples of agricultural product valorization, particularly within the cashew and cocoa sectors.
Addressing the broader topic of development models, Professor Yao underscored the necessity of a localized approach. “We must not simply replicate Western models. Our imperative is to devise solutions specifically tailored to our African contexts – solutions that are simple, effective, and inherently sustainable.”
The lively exchanges also shed light on the current limitations of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), noting its insufficient integration into organizational strategies. “CSR is progressively becoming a prerequisite for accessing public markets,” several panelists reminded attendees, urging businesses to move beyond mere communication and genuinely embed these principles into their governance frameworks.
Regarding climate financing, experts identified a puzzling paradox: significant funds exist, yet they remain challenging to mobilize. “The capital is available, but the procedures involved are cumbersome and highly technical. It is crucial to cultivate local expertise capable of preparing applications that meet international benchmarks,” they stressed.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Abraham Bosson, the delegate for the inaugural cohort, conveyed his class’s unwavering commitment to actively contribute to reshaping development paradigms. “We firmly believe in an Africa capable of innovation, of harnessing its local resources, and of forging sustainable development adapted to its specific circumstances,” he affirmed. Emphasizing his generation’s profound responsibility, he added, “We bear a historic duty: to become agents of change, capable of spearheading innovative and sustainable projects that serve our nations.”
With a distinctly action-oriented perspective, Bosson clarified that the ECOTEDD Master’s extends beyond a purely academic framework. “The objective is not solely to acquire knowledge, but to create tangible impact within our enterprises, our institutions, and our communities,” he stated.
This two-year program, accessible online and highly selective, aims to cultivate a new generation of specialists in waste valorization, CSR, climate finance, and environmental project development, all with a strong practical and professional emphasis.
Through this vital initiative, the INP-HB seeks to contribute to the development of qualified human capital, capable of effectively addressing the complex challenges of sustainable development across Côte d’Ivoire and the broader West Africa region.
The organizers anticipate the next call for applications in the coming weeks, driven by the ambition to further strengthen this momentum towards a more circular, inclusive, and resilient economy.
