The INP-HB, through its Centre of Excellence for the 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 inaugural 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 decision-makers, private sector stakeholders, and technical partners. Discussions centered on the critical challenges of ecological transition and the imperative to transform economic models across Africa.

Professor Benjamin Yao, coordinator of CEA VALOPRO, set the tone early in the proceedings. He underscored the strategic importance of this initiative, emphasizing its objective to “provide highly informative content” and facilitate media access to leading experts, thereby popularizing vital environmental issues.

Throughout various panel discussions, participants presented a comprehensive overview of the continent’s environmental hurdles. These included complex waste management, widespread deforestation, the push for energy transition, and the persistent difficulties in accessing climate finance.

Professor Benjamin Yao articulated that the circular economy offers a pertinent solution tailored to African realities. “The circular economy is fundamentally an economy of value conservation. What we categorize as waste today can become a source of wealth tomorrow,” he explained. He supported his argument with practical examples of valorizing agricultural products, particularly within the cashew and cocoa sectors.

Addressing the broader concept of development models, Professor Yao stressed the necessity of a localized approach. “We must not merely replicate Western models. Our focus must be on developing solutions that are genuinely adapted to our African contexts – solutions that are simple, effective, and sustainable,” he asserted.

The exchanges also brought to light the current limitations of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), noting its insufficient integration into organizational strategies. Several panelists pointed out that “CSR is progressively becoming a criterion for accessing public markets,” urging businesses to move beyond mere communication and genuinely embed these principles into their governance frameworks.

Regarding climate finance, experts highlighted a perplexing paradox: substantial resources exist, yet they remain challenging to mobilize. “Funds are available, but the procedures are often cumbersome and highly technical. It is crucial to train local expertise capable of preparing dossiers that meet international standards,” they emphasized.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Abraham Bosson, the delegate for the inaugural cohort, conveyed his class’s firm commitment to actively contribute to the evolution of development models. “We firmly believe in an Africa capable of innovation, of leveraging its local resources, and of building sustainable development uniquely suited to its circumstances,” he declared. Stressing his generation’s profound responsibility, he added, “We bear a historic responsibility: to become agents of change, capable of championing innovative and sustainable projects that serve our nations.”

Emphasizing a resolutely action-oriented philosophy, he clarified that the ECOTEDD Master’s program extends beyond a purely academic framework. “The objective is not solely to learn, but to create tangible impact within our enterprises, our institutions, and our communities,” Bosson 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 orientation.

Through this forward-thinking initiative, the INP-HB seeks to contribute significantly to the development of a skilled human capital pool, capable of effectively addressing the multifaceted challenges of sustainable development in both Côte d’Ivoire and across Africa.

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.