FONSTI launches VABICUI project to convert agricultural waste into energy

The National Fund for Science, Technology and Innovation (FONSTI) has launched the VABICUI project to transform agricultural waste into clean energy sources in Côte d'Ivoire. The initiative aims to utilize organic residues from major crops, including cocoa, cashew, cassava, oil palm, rubber, and cotton, which are currently often burned in fields or abandoned.

Funded by the European Union and supported technically by the Belgian agency Enabel, the project seeks to move beyond small-scale experimentation toward scalable energy solutions. The program focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through biomass-energy value chains and promoting clean cooking methods.

An upcoming call for projects will support five selected initiatives, with a submission deadline of October 9, 2026. The project aims to provide technical assistance to businesses, mobilize financing, and improve the business climate for bioenergy entrepreneurs.