From cocoa husk to opportunity: Circular entrepreneurship in Côte d'Ivoire
Are you looking to create a sustainable impact in an emerging market? Spaak Circular Solutions has the answer. CEO Seleen Suidman has extensive experience with circular projects in Côte d'Ivoire. She explains how the CocoZero project assists cocoa farmers, protects the climate and offers opportunities for entrepreneurs.
From organic waste to new products
The Ivorian cocoa sector has a significant negative impact on the climate. Seleen explains, "After the cocoa beans are harvested, the husks are left in the field. These emit a substantial amount of greenhouse gases." Spaak Circular Solutions decided to do something about this and, together with partners, launched the CocoZero project. This initiative aims to explore ways to process organic waste into high-value products such as pigment, sweetener and fibre. It allows Ivorian farmers to generate extra income and creates local jobs for processing the cocoa shells. These 3 results make this project unique.
Collaborating in an impact cluster
CocoZero is one of the projects in Côte d'Ivoire where Dutch and local companies work together within the cocoa sector. "We aim to develop a supply chain that uses every part of the cocoa fruit, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. We use the total fruit: From its beans and pulp to the skin," says Seleen. Each partner brings their own unique expertise. For example, Kumasi Drinks processes the pulp, which is typically considered a waste product, into soft drinks. Seleen, "In CocoZero, we work alongside them to process the outer husk. Other parties focus on logistics or entrepreneurship. We also involve local entrepreneurs who can contribute to processing or participating in the chain in other ways."
Impact on climate, farmers and local businesses
"With CocoZero, we aim to make an impact on 3 levels," Seleen says enthusiastically. "By removing the husks from the field, we reduce methane emission and improve soil quality. This benefits the climate and the yield per cocoa tree. We use the outer husk to make sweeteners and pigments. Farmers use the remaining products in various ways, including as soil conditioners. Now they receive payment for organic waste that was previously worthless. And, we support local SMEs and startups in developing new products, which helps create new jobs and fosters knowledge."
Dutch knowledge and expertise
In this project, Spaak Circular Solutions serves as the project coordinator and a technical and commercial partner. "We use our expertise in chemical engineering to analyse organic waste and develop new products," says Seleen. "We apply our commercial insight to create a revenue model: What is the market for these products? What are the profit margins? This combination of technology, market knowledge and collaboration is essential for establishing a new supply chain."
Improving lives with technology
Seleen believes that developing technology that benefits the environment, enhances quality of life and creates jobs is a wonderful aim. She explains, "Working on projects that focus on environmental, social and economic impacts is incredibly motivating. It is the long-term effects, such as a local factory that remains operational after we complete the project, that truly drives me."
A solution for every challenge
One significant challenge is translating lab results into practical applications. What works effectively on a small scale in the Netherlands does not necessarily translate to a large country with a tropical climate. "That is why we have test phases for processing the husks," Seleen explains. "First, we conduct tests in the Netherlands, followed by tests in Côte d'Ivoire, at different scales. Logistics also present challenges, as farmers are sometimes difficult to reach. For this reason, we are exploring the best methods for collecting and transporting the husks. One approach we are considering involves using decentralised hubs."
"We could not have started this project without your network, webinars and tools."
Seleen's 4 tips for circular entrepreneurs in emerging markets
If you are interested in becoming a circular entrepreneur in emerging markets, here are some valuable tips from Seleen:
- Find a local partner: Collaborate with someone who has a deep understanding of the local context.
- Consider political sensitivities: Be aware of the political dynamics related to your product or sector.
- Engage the local Netherlands embassy: They have valuable networks and knowledge that can support your efforts.
- Visit in person: Building relationships is crucial. It is impossible to do this effectively through screens or telephones.
Support by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
The CocoZero project started with a study by RVO's Climate and Energy Response Facility (CERF) programme on the climate impact of decaying cocoa waste in Côte d’Ivoire. Based on the results, CERF organised a workshop that brought together companies, RVO's Private Sector Development (PSD) coach and the Ivorian embassy. The event led to a cluster of Dutch companies working with Spaak Circular Solutions on the CocoZero project, with support from the embassy and the PSD coach.
"RVO is so much more than a funding organisation," says Seleen. "We could not have started this project without your network, webinars and tools. Even more importantly, you share your ideas and place trust in us while we explore our opportunities."
Even more opportunities
The CocoZero project is still in development, but the ambitions are high. "We want to make an impact beyond this project," Seleen says determinedly. "We can also apply this approach in other sectors or countries. For example, I am considering coffee husks in Latin America or cashew nut waste in Ghana. We also aim to show that the circular economy, local impact and business success can coexist effectively. Finally, we hope that other entrepreneurs will join us!"
Would you like to know more?
This project is part of the Combitrack Orange Cocoa Pro. Are you a Dutch entrepreneur? Learn more about this combitrack and discover your opportunities in cocoa processing in Côte d’Ivoire (in Dutch).
Do you have questions about this RVO project or how to contribute? Then, contact us to speak with an advisor.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
