Abidjan unveils africa’s first large-scale cashew shell biochar production unit

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, Ivorian authorities officially inaugurated a pioneering biochar production facility in Attinguié, situated within the PK 31 industrial zone on the outskirts of Abidjan.

Spearheaded by the Valency International group, this innovative industrial venture aims to convert cashew shells, traditionally viewed as mere production waste, into high-value resources for the energy and industrial sectors.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Handicrafts, Kalil Konaté, with key administrative officials, institutional representatives, and technical partners in attendance.

Heralded as Africa’s inaugural large-capacity commercial unit for producing biochar from cashew shells, this cutting-edge facility boasts an annual processing capability of nearly 20,000 tons of cashew processing residues. It is projected to yield approximately 6,000 tons of biochar, simultaneously generating biofuel and energy through advanced agricultural byproduct valorization technology.

This groundbreaking innovation is set to significantly reduce waste from the cashew industry while simultaneously fostering new economic opportunities within this vital sector.

“We are witnessing the transformation of agricultural byproducts into strategic industrial resources,” affirmed Minister Kalil Konaté, commending an investment that actively contributes to local value creation and champions a more sustainable industry.

Following the official proceedings, the Minister toured the new facilities alongside executives from Valency International and Revata Carbon. He reiterated the government’s steadfast commitment to backing innovative industrial projects that create employment and drive economic growth.

As the world’s foremost producer of raw cashew nuts, Côte d’Ivoire continues its strategic push to enhance local cashew processing, thereby maximizing the economic benefits derived from this crucial crop. This new Côte d’Ivoire cashew biochar unit further solidifies the nation’s ambition to cultivate a high-performing processing industry, simultaneously valorizing agricultural byproducts within a circular economy framework.

This significant infrastructure development unlocks fresh opportunities for the cashew value chain and underscores the Ivorian authorities’ determination to position industrial processing as a key driver for sustainable economic advancement.