馃嚙馃嚝Burkina FasoWest Africa
HortiPlus launches incubation program in Bobo-Dioulasso to transform agricultural waste into business opportunities
via Lefaso.net4 min read
In Bobo-Dioulasso, the HortiPlus Project has initiated its first circular economy incubation cycle for agricultural value chains. On June 29, 2026, 25 entrepreneurs began a three-day hackathon aimed at developing innovative solutions to convert agricultural by-products and waste into sustainable economic opportunities. This initiative, supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by a consortium including AGRODEV Services, Advance Consulting, AUXFIN, Agriterra, and Sense, seeks to foster a new generation of entrepreneurs who combine profitability, innovation, and environmental protection. The hackathon focuses on identifying business opportunities from waste generated by mango, cashew, market gardening, rice, and agri-food sectors. Participants will analyze waste streams in Bobo-Dioulasso, design circular businesses, and develop viable economic models. Following this phase, 15 promising teams will enter a 12-week pre-incubation period, with 10 advancing to an incubation phase focused on marketing, sales, and business development. The ultimate goal is to establish five start-ups capable of generating initial revenues. Hedzer Roodenburg Vermaat, a circular economy expert from Advance Consulting, emphasized that the circular economy goes beyond simple recycling by preventing waste generation through innovative approaches. Jean Bosco Dibouloni, Director General of AGRODEV Services, stated that this activity aligns with the HortiPlus Project's objectives, which incl
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