The Chief Executive Officer ,SMEFUNDS, Dr. Femi Oye, has lauded Côte d’Ivoire’s ambitious stride in transforming agricultural waste from cocoa and rubber production into a vital renewable power source.
Responding to recent news of a groundbreaking $3 million agreement between local energy firm SODEN and Dutch investor Climate Fund Managers (CFM) to develop the world’s first national grid-connected power plant powered entirely by agricultural byproducts in Divo, Oye underscored the immense potential for similar initiatives across the African continent, particularly in Nigeria.
“The news from Côte d’Ivoire is not just encouraging; it’s a powerful testament to Africa’s ingenuity and our collective commitment to a sustainable future.For far too long, agricultural waste, though abundant, has been viewed as a burden, contributing to environmental degradation and offering no economic value. Côte d’Ivoire is now demonstrating how this perceived problem can be ingeniously transformed into a powerful engine for rural income, energy security, and industrial development. This is precisely the kind of innovative thinking and practical action that SMEFUNDS has championed for years,” he stated.
The Ivorian project, set to be operational by 2029, is a monumental undertaking. The 76 MW facility will annually consume approximately 600,000 tonnes of cocoa shells, pods, off-grade beans, and rubber tree residues, projected to yield an impressive 550 GWh of electricity per year. This move aligns perfectly with Côte d’Ivoire’s bold target of achieving a 45 per cent share of renewables in its national energy mix by 2030, with 12 per cent specifically earmarked for biomass and solar.
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Oye emphasised that the benefits extend far beyond clean energy generation. “What truly excites me about the Côte d’Ivoire model is its holistic impact. It addresses critical issues of waste management, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and, crucially, creates new economic opportunities for farmers.,he explained. As the Chief Executive SODEN, Yapi Ogou, put it, each year, cocoa production generates millions of tonnes of unutilised waste, which brings no income to producers. By exploiting this still untapped resource to produce clean and reliable energy, we are transforming a national challenge into an opportunity for sustainable growth, rural prosperity, and strengthening of the energy system.’ This resonates deeply with SMEFUNDS’ mission to empower communities at the grassroots level.”
SMEFUNDS has long been at the forefront of promoting clean energy solutions and sustainable enterprise development in Nigeria.
Oye pointed to SMEFUNDS’ own successful initiatives in converting various waste biomass into clean energy, including the production of second-generation bio-ethanol gel cooking fuel from sawdust and water hyacinth. “Our experience has shown that local agricultural waste streams offer a vast, untapped resource for energy production. The Divo project provides a scalable blueprint that other African nations, especially those with significant agricultural output like Nigeria, can emulate and adapt.”
According to him, Nigeria, is a country with immense agricultural potential, generates substantial quantities of agricultural waste from crops such as cassava, maize, rice, and palm oil, much of which currently goes unutilized or is disposed of in ways that harm the environment. Oye believes that the Côte d’Ivoire model offers a compelling case study for Nigeria to accelerate its own energy transition and bolster rural economies.
“Imagine the transformative impact if Nigeria were to replicate such projects across its major agricultural hubs.Our farmers, who are the backbone of our economy, could gain additional income streams by selling their agricultural residues. This would not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute significantly to our national energy security and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels”he posited.
He further elaborated on the economic ripple effects. “Beyond the direct sale of waste, these biomass plants create jobs in collection, processing, and plant operation. They stimulate local economies and foster a circular economy approach, where waste is no longer waste but a valuable resource. This aligns perfectly with the National Energy Pact of Côte d’Ivoire, which aims to attract $2 billion in private investment to expand energy infrastructure and promote clean energy. We in Nigeria must similarly create an enabling environment for such investments.”
Oye also highlighted the importance of a comprehensive policy framework and robust investment mechanisms to drive such large-scale initiatives. “The success of the Côte d’Ivoire project hinges on strong partnerships between local entities and international investors, coupled with supportive government policies.SMEFUNDS is actively engaged in advocating for policies that facilitate greater investment in decentralised renewable energy solutions and provide incentives for converting agricultural waste into energy. We need to bridge the gap between innovation, investment, and implementation.”The Ivorian government’s strategic focus on diversifying its energy mix, including similar projects using palm oil and cotton waste, serves as an inspiring example. Construction began in 2022 on a 46 MW biomass plant in Aboisso powered by palm oil waste, and a 25 MW plant in Boundiali will utilise cotton stalks as fuel. These diversified approaches underscore the versatility of agricultural biomass as a renewable energy source.
“The sheer volume of agricultural output in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria presents an incredible opportunity.With 1.67 million tonnes of cocoa output, 700,000 hectares of rubber trees, and vast tracts of land dedicated to palm and cotton farming, the biomass potential is undeniable. This is not just about generating electricity; it’s about transforming agricultural landscapes, empowering rural communities, and building a more resilient and sustainable energy future for all of Africa. SMEFUNDS remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders – governments, investors, and local communities – to turn this vision into a widespread reality across the continent.”
