Abidjan, May 25, 2025 – The inaugural of the Dutch Agricultural Innovation Prize (PNIA) has recognized six outstanding Ivorian agro-entrepreneurs in the cashew, cocoa, and horticulture sectors. This prestigious event, organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Abidjan, highlights the commitment to fostering agricultural innovation in Côte d'Ivoire.
The winners on stage
The vision behind PNIA
The Dutch Agricultural Innovation Prize (PNIA) aims to invigorate youth participation in agriculture through innovative solutions, redefining the role of farmers as committed agripreneurs. This vision aligns with the objectives of the Embassy of the Netherlands and its partners, including the Coffee-Cocoa Council (CCC), Cotton-Cashew Council (CCA), and various agricultural organizations such as:
Prize Overview
Each first-place winner in their respective categories received a financial grant of EUR 15,000, a tailored training program, and an immersion visit to the Netherlands. Second-place winners were awarded customized technical support along with a financial grant of EUR 3,800, aimed at enhancing their business operations.
Meet the Laureates
Horticulture Category
- First place: Mr Yao Kouadio, Promoter of ECOFIND-CI Offering products made from coconut fibers, including agricultural substrates and decorative items for local and expert markets.
- Second place: Mr Koffie Appessika Laurent, Promoter of GREEN AGRO VALLEY CI | His innovative solar irrigation system, LASER SPRAY, significantly boosts productivity for Ivorian vegetable and cereal producers.
Cocoa Category
- First place: Mr Edi Abe Valere, Founder of “POWER GREEN IVORY” | Specializing in the valorization of agricultural by-products, his company produces food-grade and industrial dyes from cocoa pods, employing 10 to 15 young people.
- Second place: Mr Kouame Kouadi Sain Jean, CEO of AYOGREEN | This company offers a digital platform providing advisory services in local languages, ensuring compliance with international standards using satellite monitoring, AI, and agricultural research.
Cashew Category
- First place: Ms Ipo Acket Eve Patricia, CEO of L' ART-TISANE | Innovating with a creamy cashew-based beverage sweetened with seasonal fruits like mango.
- Second place: Mr Papoh Jean Fabrice, CEO of “JPF TRADING” | Utilizing drones to detect crop diseases, his innovation enhances yield through efficient phytosanitary treatments.
Mr Koffi Appessika Laurent | GREEN AGRO VALLEY CI 
Mr. Yao Kouadio | ECOFIND-CI 
Mr Edi Abe Valère| POWER GREEN IVORY
Mr Kouamé Kouadio Saint Jean | AYOGREEN 
Ms Ipo Acket Eve Patricia | L'ART-TISANE 
Mr. Jean Fabrice Papoh| “JPF TRADING”
The award process
The PNIA unfolded over four months, from February to May 2025, featuring key milestones:
- Official Launch: The project commenced with a press conference led by H.E. Jeroen Kelderhuis, Ambassador of the Netherlands.
- Awareness Caravan: A robust communication campaign attracted applications through social media and the Embassy’s network.
- Selection of Finalists: A jury of experts in the sector leading companies and institutions (Eric KACOU, Marina DIBOMA, Blerta CELA, Salma SEETARO, Wilfrid AMOAKON, Jean PONCE ASSI, and Ruben DIEUDONNE) evaluated projects based on sustainability, economic viability, youth and female leadership, and innovation.
- Pitching and Award Ceremony: Finalists presented their businesses at the Ambassador’s Residence on May 15, culminating in the award ceremony during SARA on May 25, that was attended by the Minister of Agriculture Mr. ADJOUAMNI
Collaborate with champions
The PNIA champions are eager to explore collaboration and market expansion opportunities. Dutch businesses looking to engage with these innovative entrepreneurs are encouraged to reach out.
For inquiries, please contact: abi-lvvn@minbuza.nl