On February 1, 2025, in Côte d'Ivoire, UN-Habitat, in collaboration with AVSI and the municipality of Attécoubé, officially launched the "Circular Economy of Attécoubé" initiative. This project aims to improve waste management, promote a circular economy, and create job opportunities.
Training, employment, and awareness for lasting impact
In recent years, the demolition of informal settlements in Abidjan has pushed many families into extreme vulnerability, depriving them of their livelihoods. In response to these challenges, the project represents real hope for the local population. It is based on an integrated approach combining the restructuring of the Waste Recovery Unit, the training of key stakeholders, and awareness campaigns to encourage behavioral change in waste management. The goal is to strengthen the skills of young people, women, and migrants in plastic waste recovery, thereby creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Thanks to this initiative, the plastic waste processing unit will have a production capacity of between 280 and 460 kg per hour, and approximately 150 jobs will be created, including 50 direct jobs.
Additionally, the project includes the training of 100 key stakeholders on various topics such as circular economy, participatory environmental management, plastic waste recycling, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. More than 1,000 people will be reached through 10 events, including mass awareness campaigns, focus groups, a marketplace, and workshops.
The launch event
The launch ceremony gathered many residents of Attécoubé, demonstrating the interest and expectations surrounding this initiative. The Minister, First Vice-Governor of the Abidjan district, and Mayor of Attécoubé, Paulin Claude DANHO, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
"We want to turn our commitment into action, ensuring that this project is sustainable and can be replicated in other communities."
Strong commitment from partners
The launch event took place at the Waste Recovery Unit (UVD) in Attécoubé, marking the laying of the foundation stone for the future plastic waste recovery unit, in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Urbanism (MCLU) and the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Development (MEPD).
Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), this project is part of the AMIC program (Improvement of Integration Opportunities for Migrant Workers and Vulnerable Local Communities in Greater Abidjan).
With a duration of ten months (February - November 2025), this program is one of three pilot initiatives intended to be scaled up and replicated.
A greener future for Attécoubé
Through this initiative, UN-Habitat, AVSI, and the municipality of Attécoubé are laying the foundation for a sustainable waste management model that fosters inclusion and employment.
With the commitment of local and international stakeholders, Attécoubé has the potential to become a model of success in circular economy and sustainable development in Côte d'Ivoire.
This project goes beyond simple plastic waste recovery; above all, it is an initiative aimed at restoring the human dignity of people who face the daily consequences of an unhealthy environment. AVSI is proud to contribute to knowledge acquisition and job creation, enabling the residents of Attécoubé to take control of their future and improve their living conditions. Thanks to this project, these communities are becoming active agents of change for a better and more inclusive life..
Bamba Lassiné, AVSI Country Representative in Côte d'Ivoire
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