The Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, Abou Bamba, called on companies to adopt cleaner technologies and invest in the circular economy.
This appeal was made during the celebration of World Environment Day (WED) on June 5, 2026, in Abidjan. The event aims to raise awareness and mobilize citizens and decision-makers on the need to improve air quality and strengthen climate action for the well-being of present and future generations.
“I therefore call on our companies to comply with the environmental code, adopt cleaner technologies, and invest in the circular economy,” said Abou Bamba.
According to the Minister, in major cities such as Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo, and San Pedro, air quality is affected by the combined impact of road transport, waste burning, bushfires, industrial activities, construction dust, and certain non-compliant practices.
In Côte d’Ivoire, studies estimate that air pollution contributes to more than 12,000 deaths per year, mainly linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Faced with this situation, the government is intensifying its climate initiatives by strengthening the legal framework, aiming to reduce methane and black carbon emissions by 30% by 2030, and undertaking reforestation efforts to restore 20% of the original forest cover by 2030. This represents nearly 3 million hectares to be replanted, alongside the enhancement and promotion of Banco National Park, one of the largest urban tropical forest parks in the world, as well as accelerating the transition toward clean energy and sustainable mobility.
The government will also strengthen the monitoring of industrial emissions, particularly those linked to cement plants and concrete production facilities.
In conclusion, Abou Bamba emphasized that air pollution is not only an environmental issue but also an economic one. Protecting the air means protecting health, life expectancy, productivity, and national competitiveness.
The 2026 World Environment Day is celebrated under the theme: “Air – Action for Climate.”