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) 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,” the gathering brought together 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 transformation of economic paradigms across Africa.

Professor Benjamin Yao, who coordinates CEA VALOPRO, set the strategic tone by emphasizing the program’s vital role. He highlighted its aim to “provide highly informative content” and facilitate media access to leading experts, thereby promoting a broader understanding of pressing environmental concerns.

Throughout various panel discussions, participants meticulously assessed the continent’s environmental hurdles. These included complex issues such as effective waste management, rampant deforestation, the transition to renewable energy sources, and the persistent difficulties in securing climate financing.

For Professor Benjamin Yao, the circular economy emerges as a particularly fitting solution for Africa’s unique context. “The circular economy is fundamentally an economy of value conservation,” he articulated. “What we currently label as waste holds the potential to become a valuable resource tomorrow.” He reinforced this perspective with practical illustrations of how agricultural products, particularly within the cashew and cocoa sectors, can be successfully valorized.

Addressing the broader concept of development models, Professor Yao underscored the imperative for a localized approach. “We must not simply replicate Western models,” he asserted. “Our focus must be on developing solutions that are genuinely adapted to our African realities – 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 embed these principles deeply within their governance structures.

Regarding climate financing, experts identified a striking paradox: substantial resources exist, yet they remain challenging to mobilize. “Funds are available, but the procedures are often cumbersome and highly technical,” they explained. “It is absolutely essential to cultivate local expertise capable of preparing applications that meet stringent international standards.”

Representing the inaugural student cohort, Abraham Bosson, the class delegate, passionately affirmed his peers’ commitment to actively contributing to the evolution of development models. “We firmly believe in an Africa capable of innovation, of leveraging its indigenous resources, and of forging sustainable development tailored to its specific realities,” he declared. Emphasizing his generation’s profound responsibility, he added, “We carry a historical duty: to become agents of change, capable of championing innovative and sustainable projects that serve our nations.”

Adopting a distinctly action-oriented stance, Bosson clarified that the ECOTEDD Master’s program extends beyond traditional academic confines. “The objective is not solely to acquire knowledge, but to concretely impact our businesses, our institutions, and our communities,” he stressed.

This two-year, online, and highly selective program aims to cultivate a new generation of specialists in waste valorization, CSR, climate finance, and environmental project development, emphasizing a strong practical and professional orientation.

Through this forward-thinking initiative, the INP-HB endeavors to contribute significantly to the development of a qualified human capital, adept at effectively addressing the intricate challenges of sustainable development across Côte d’Ivoire and the wider African continent.

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.