Côte d’Ivoire launches pioneering biochar plant from cashew shells

In a landmark move for West Africa’s agricultural sector, Côte d’Ivoire has unveiled a cutting-edge industrial facility in Attinguié, near Abidjan, designed to convert cashew nut shells into high-value biochar.

The plant, located within the PK 31 industrial zone, is the first of its kind on the continent to operate at commercial scale, transforming what was once considered industrial waste into a strategic resource for energy and manufacturing.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Kalil Konaté, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Crafts, alongside government officials, institutional leaders, and technical partners. Speaking at the event, the minister emphasized the project’s role in boosting local value creation and advancing sustainable industrial practices.

Operated by Valency International in partnership with Revata Carbon, the facility is set to process up to 20,000 tons of cashew shells annually—byproducts of the country’s thriving cashew processing industry. This initiative is expected to yield around 6,000 tons of biochar each year, alongside the production of biofuel and clean energy through advanced agricultural residue valorization technology.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the project is poised to unlock new economic opportunities within Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew value chain. By repurposing what were previously discarded materials, the initiative reduces waste while supporting circular economy principles and job creation in the region.

« This marks a significant shift in how we view agricultural byproducts—not as waste, but as catalysts for industrial growth and sustainability », Konaté stated during the site visit, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fostering innovative, job-generating industries.

The launch aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s broader strategy to strengthen local cashew processing, aiming to capture more economic value from its position as the world’s leading producer of raw cashew nuts. By integrating biochar production into its industrial ecosystem, the country is taking a decisive step toward building a more resilient and diversified economy.

With this investment, Côte d’Ivoire is not only enhancing its industrial competitiveness but also setting a new standard for sustainable resource management in Africa’s agricultural sector.