Yamoussoukro hosts national circular economy hackathon

Yamoussoukro hosted a high-stakes national hackathon from June 17 to 19, 2026, at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INP-HB). The event, themed “Technological innovation and circular economy: zero waste, maximum impact”, challenged 10 teams of three participants each to develop sustainable solutions for waste management and resource efficiency.

Organized by INP-HB’s central incubator with technical support from GIZ, the competition emphasized intelligent waste sorting, biodegradable product design, natural resource management, and agricultural waste valorization. Participants underwent intensive training, coaching, and prototyping before pitching their innovations to a panel of experts.

Circular economy takes center stage in Côte d’Ivoire

The hackathon underscored the growing importance of circular economy principles in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in addressing environmental challenges. Speaking on behalf of the INP-HB director general, the deputy general director for research, innovation, and technopoles highlighted technology as a critical driver for achieving zero-waste goals.

GIZ representatives emphasized the event’s alignment with the Promotion of Economic Reforms and Investments (ProREI) project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in partnership with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Crafts. The initiative aims to boost green, social, and digital innovation while strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Bioban crowned top innovator for agricultural waste solutions

The Bioban project, led by agronomist and renewable energy specialist Ndiessa Kwaku Boris, claimed the top prize for transforming agricultural waste into biogas for household cooking and organic fertilizers to restore soil fertility. The team’s solution stood out for its dual environmental and agricultural benefits.

Guy Corée, head of INP-HB’s central incubator, praised the exceptional quality of submissions, noting the high caliber of participants. Six projects, including the top three winners, will receive six months of incubation support, including legal structuring, industrialization guidance, market access strategies, and funding mobilization.

The winning teams will benefit from a structured incubation program designed to refine their solutions and scale their impact, reinforcing Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to sustainable innovation.