The Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB), through its Centre d’Excellence Africain (CEA) VALOPRO, officially inaugurated the Master’s program in Circular Economy, Ecological Transition, and Sustainable Development (ECOTEDD) during a 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,” this significant gathering convened a diverse group of national and international experts, public sector leaders, private industry stakeholders, and technical partners. Discussions centered on the critical challenges of ecological transition and the imperative to transform economic paradigms across Africa.
Professor Benjamin Yao, who coordinates CEA VALOPRO, set the tone early in the proceedings. He emphasized the strategic importance of this new initiative, designed to deliver “highly informative content” and provide media outlets with access to leading experts, thereby promoting wider understanding of pressing environmental issues throughout West Africa and beyond.
Throughout various panel discussions, speakers presented a comprehensive overview of the continent’s environmental hurdles. These included complex waste management, widespread deforestation, the transition to renewable energy sources, and the persistent difficulties in accessing crucial climate financing.
For Professor Benjamin Yao, the circular economy emerges as a particularly fitting solution for the African context. He elucidated, “The circular economy represents an economy focused on value preservation. What we currently define as waste holds the potential to become a valuable resource tomorrow.” He reinforced this perspective with concrete examples, highlighting the successful valorization of agricultural products, particularly within the cashew and cocoa sectors.
Addressing the broader question of development models, Professor Yao stressed the necessity of a localized approach. He asserted, “We must not merely replicate Western models. Our imperative is to develop solutions tailored to our unique African realities – solutions that are simple, effective, and inherently sustainable.”
The dialogues also cast light on the current limitations of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), noting its insufficient integration into organizational strategies. Several panelists underscored that “CSR is progressively becoming a prerequisite for accessing public markets,” urging companies to move beyond mere communication and genuinely embed these principles into their governance structures.
Regarding climate financing, experts identified a paradox: substantial financial resources exist, yet they remain challenging to mobilize. They pointed out, “The funds are available, but the procedures are often cumbersome and highly technical. It is crucial to cultivate local expertise capable of preparing applications that meet international standards.”
Speaking on behalf of the inaugural student cohort, delegate Abraham Bosson articulated his class’s unwavering commitment to actively contribute to the transformation of development models. “We firmly believe in an Africa capable of innovation, of maximizing its local resources, and of constructing sustainable development adapted to its specific realities,” he declared. Emphasizing his generation’s profound responsibility, he added, “We carry a historical responsibility: to become agents of change, capable of spearheading innovative and sustainable projects that serve our nations.”
Adopting a resolutely action-oriented stance, Bosson clarified that the ECOTEDD Master extends beyond a purely academic framework. “The objective is not solely to acquire knowledge, but to concretely impact our businesses, our institutions, and our communities,” he affirmed.
This highly selective, two-year online program aims to cultivate a new generation of experts specializing in waste valorization, CSR, climate finance, and environmental project management, all with a strong practical and professional orientation.
Through this forward-thinking initiative, INP-HB seeks to contribute significantly to the development of a highly skilled human capital, capable of effectively addressing the complex challenges of sustainable development in Côte d’Ivoire and across the wider African continent.
The organizers anticipate the next call for applications in the coming weeks, signaling their ambition to further strengthen this dynamic movement towards a more circular, inclusive, and resilient economy.