On the morning of June 18, 2026, government leaders in Côte d’Ivoire officially opened a groundbreaking biochar production facility in Attinguié, located within the PK 31 industrial zone on the outskirts of Abidjan. The ceremony marked the launch of Africa’s first commercial-scale plant dedicated to converting cashew nut shells—previously treated as waste—into valuable industrial resources.
The facility, developed by Valency International in partnership with Revata Carbon, represents a major step forward in the country’s efforts to transform agricultural byproducts into energy and industrial inputs. During the inauguration, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Crafts Kalil Konaté emphasized the project’s role in reducing environmental waste while unlocking new economic potential across the cashew value chain.
The plant is designed to process up to 20,000 metric tons of cashew shells annually, yielding approximately 6,000 metric tons of biochar. In addition to the solid fuel product, the facility generates biogas and renewable energy through advanced agricultural residue valorization technology. This dual-output model supports Côte d’Ivoire’s broader strategy to enhance local processing of raw cashew nuts and boost economic returns from the sector.
a milestone for west africa’s cashew industry
Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s leading producer of raw cashew nuts, has long prioritized local processing to capture more value from its harvest. This new biochar plant aligns with that national agenda by turning what was once discarded into high-demand industrial inputs. The government’s active involvement—evident in the minister’s presence at the inauguration—signals strong support for innovative industrial projects that drive job creation and sustainable growth.
Speaking at the event, Minister Konaté highlighted the facility’s contribution to circular economy principles, stating, “We are witnessing the conversion of agricultural byproducts into critical industrial assets, reinforcing Côte d’Ivoire’s position as a leader in sustainable cashew processing.” He also underscored the project’s alignment with national development goals, particularly in energy diversification and waste reduction.
The inauguration was attended by senior officials, institutional leaders, and technical partners, all of whom toured the facility to assess its operational readiness. The government has reiterated its commitment to fostering such industrial innovations, which not only generate employment but also strengthen the country’s industrial base while minimizing environmental impact.
With this new infrastructure now operational, Côte d’Ivoire advances its vision of a robust, eco-friendly cashew industry—one where every part of the nut contributes to economic and environmental progress.
