“The analysis of the quality of products and the accompaniment of companies is our job. But the development of our personnel is a credo” Bakary Coulibaly, CEO of the ENVAL Group

– The support of all the facilities: the verification of the good standing of the civil engineering, support of the facilities (electrical unit, thermal unit, support of the cylinders, local of the generator, …); the inking of the metallic structures, support of the photovoltaic modules…
– The electrical unit: checking the grounding; the operation of the generator; the operation of the electrical unit; the control of the electrical connections; the electrical tests; the functional tests; the verification of the connection of the HV and LV panels…
– The thermal unit: operation of the thermal unit; operation of the parabolic trough field; functional tests of the parabolic trough system; functional tests; verification of the water in the hot water storage tanks; verification of the temperature of the hot water at the entrance of the fish ponds; verification of the temperature of the hot water in the ponds equipped with heating systems…
This exercise allowed the General Manager of the ENVAL Group to see for himself that the expected results of the project have been achieved: the generator room and the supports for the electrical and thermal units are in good condition; the electrical unit is working properly; the thermal unit is working well; the temperature of the water at the entrance to the fish ponds is satisfactory; the temperature of the heated water in the ponds is acceptable.
The only thing left to do, according to him, is to obtain the necessary authorizations to proceed with the start-up of the installations.
We could then proceed to the final reception of the installations of the units of thermal solar production and electric of the site of Diama Maraye in the region of Saint Louis in Senegal, in the presence of the Senegalese authorities.
The CEO of ENVAL Group recalled that in the context of this project, Senegal is a pioneer because it is the first installation that is functional. This regional project, which covers the eight (8) countries of the UEMOA, will continue in Guinea Bissau where work is underway, then in Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and so on.

Both Dr. Kenfack and Mr. Gilles DJAGOUN, Senior Water Coordinator of the AAE, congratulated ENVAL for the quality of its laboratory equipment.
After this tour, the two delegations met for a working session in the conference room of the ENVAL Laboratories Group.
This working session consisted of a fruitful exchange on the opportunities for a partnership between the two organizations; Dr. KENFACK informed that the AfWA is currently working to identify companies that deal with water and sanitation issues, in order to support them through a capacity building program. This is in line with the objectives of the Association. Indeed, the AfWA has set itself among other objectives to “constantly promote the exchange of information in all areas related to drinking water, sanitation and the environment, in particular research and techniques” but also to “promote contacts, exchanges and relationships between professionals in the drinking water sector in Africa and in the world”.

ENVAL Laboratories, through the voice of its President and CEO, welcomed the initiative before going back over the history of the Enval Group, whose adventure began in 1999 with the Enval Cabinet, a consulting firm specializing in the environment and agribusiness. Enval quickly felt the need for a testing laboratory to support the company. In 2002, Enval Laboratories became a full-fledged company and began to expand into other areas. Today, Enval Laboratories is one of the most important physico-chemical and microbiological analysis laboratories in Africa.
Discussions also raised the possibility that ENVAL Laboratories could join the AfWA thematic group on water quality. ENVAL Laboratories could also use its experience to support other laboratories in the ISO 17025 accreditation process through a mentoring program. To further the process, the AAE suggested that ENVAL Laboratories could take the opportunity to publish in the AAE’s periodicals (Newsletter, Technical Journal). “ENVAL has great potential to meet the needs of the water sector, in particular. This deserves to be exploited,” insisted Mr. KENFRACK. Referring to his experience with Rand Water in the Republic of South Africa, a water sanitation center that ensures that citizens receive water free of harmful microorganisms and contaminants, the AfWA Program Director suggested that similar activities be conducted. For example, environmental sensitivity studies with a mapping of the influence of mining activity on water resources. These studies could be submitted to the relevant authorities.
Mr. COULIBALY, the CEO of ENVAL, noted all the ideas and was pleased with the prospects. “Like you, we are aware of the importance of our role in improving health, hygiene and environmental protection. Our common will to promote, in the best possible conditions, the sector of Drinking Water, Sanitation and Environment in the interest of the African populations augurs good prospects. Together, we will more easily achieve our common goals for the greater good of African communities,” he concluded, in the presence of some of the ENVAL Laboratories staff: Mr. Arsène KOUAME (Technical Director), Mr. Arthur SEY (Administrative and Financial Director), Mr. Denis YAO (Microbiologist Manager), and Mr. Jean-Louis BORGER (Director of the National Research Institute). Denis YAO (Microbiology Manager), Mr. Wetebou BINI (Sales and Marketing Manager), Bintou DIABATE (Technical and Sales Engineer), Saint-Pierre KOUADIO (R&D Assistant, in charge of Water and Sanitation studies) and finally Mrs. France GNALY (Public Relations Manager), the main person in charge of the meeting.

Having a product tested through internationally-recognized accredited laboratories adds value as it ensures quality – a key ingredient for gaining consumers’ trust, increasing business competitiveness and integrating new markets. This is true for all businesses in all countries.

In West Africa, the development of a quality infrastructure has been identified as a key measure to strengthen regional trade and economic integration.

Since 2001, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have been supporting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in the promotion of a quality culture in the region. Launched in 2014 as the third phase of this endeavour, the West Africa Quality System Programme (WAQSP) helps develop suitable, relevant, efficient and effective quality infrastructure to facilitate intra-regional and international trade, protect consumers and the environment, and promote sustainable economic development.

“Enhancing the capacity of testing laboratories in countries of the region is an important component of the Programme as it ensures that the quality of products can be verified against international standards and thus makes local laboratories attractive and competitive,” said WAQSP Programme Manager, Bernard Bau.

In Côte d’Ivoire, UNIDO’s support for Environment and Agribusiness Laboratories (ENVAL) has allowed the private entity to flourish: “In just a few years, we have managed to set up seven laboratories, each of which is the best in its field,” said Bakary Coulibaly, ENVAL’s Director General. “The support of the West Africa Quality Programmes has been decisive in this success.”

From humble beginnings in 1999, when ENVAL consisted of a 50m2 hall with a capital of CFA francs 1,000,000 (around Euro 1,500), ENVAL now has some of the most important laboratories of physico-chemical and microbiological analyses – particularly for food and water – in West Africa, with a capital of CFA francs 350,000,000 (around Euro 500,000) and occupying two buildings.

UNIDO has, among other things, provided support to the laboratories in the ISO/IEC 17025 standard accreditation process by strengthening the capacities of technicians, including on metrology and audit, and by supporting the acquisition of new equipment.

Accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard confirms that laboratories are fully competent to carry out tests and calibrations, including sampling, competently and generate valid results. To date, two of ENVAL’s seven laboratories have received their accreditation. Côte d’Ivoire now has laboratories whose field of competence is broad and which can advise on quality-related problems and support the development of new products.

The benefits of the first accreditations have enabled ENVAL to expand its coverage at the national level. Through the support provided by UNIDO, ENVAL has also set up a textile analysis laboratory – the first of its kind in the sub-region – and has expended its activities to include soil, foliage and oil analysis, as well as noise and air quality measurement.

ENVAL has been able to establish partnerships with Société de Culture Bananière (SCB), Société Agricole Kablan Joubin (SAKJ), Office National de l’Eau Potable (ONEP), Carrefour Group, Société de Distribution d’Eau de Côte d’Ivoire (SODECI) and more.

“The impact of the programme is reflected in the improvement of our laboratory practices, the loyalty of our customers, and the conquest of new markets such as Carrefour,” Coulibaly said.

Matenin Cissé, Quality Manager at Carrefour, Côte d’Ivoire, said: “The reliability of the ENVAL laboratories’ analyses, the competitiveness of their testing costs, their optimal delivery times and the good management of their relationship with Carrefour explains why we have chosen this group since 2015 for the testing of our products.”

“The results of their tests allow us to have very good control of our levels of hygiene, both for our employees and equipment, leading to the expressed satisfaction of our customers who know that Carrefour provides them with healthy products. That is why we, as Carrefour Abidjan, have decided not only to advocate to our suppliers that they work directly with ENVAL to anticipate their own quality issues, but also to expand testing at our new site located in Yopougon.”

Efforts such as these can firmly anchor Africa on a path towards inclusive and sustainable industrial development and contribute to the achievement of the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III) and of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

ENVAL’s case provides a prime example of successful reinforcement of quality standards for proof of conformity and for boosting of competitiveness. These programmes highlight a commitment to the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and West Africa as well as the Africa-EU Partnership.

Having a product tested through internationally-recognized accredited laboratories adds value as it ensures quality – a key ingredient for gaining consumers’ trust, increasing business competitiveness and integrating new markets. This is true for all businesses in all countries.

In West Africa, the development of a quality infrastructure has been identified as a key measure to strengthen regional trade and economic integration.

Since 2001, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have been supporting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in the promotion of a quality culture in the region. Launched in 2014 as the third phase of this endeavour, the West Africa Quality System Programme (WAQSP) helps develop suitable, relevant, efficient and effective quality infrastructure to facilitate intra-regional and international trade, protect consumers and the environment, and promote sustainable economic development.

“Enhancing the capacity of testing laboratories in countries of the region is an important component of the Programme as it ensures that the quality of products can be verified against international standards and thus makes local laboratories attractive and competitive,” said WAQSP Programme Manager, Bernard Bau.

In Côte d’Ivoire, UNIDO’s support for Environment and Agribusiness Laboratories (ENVAL) has allowed the private entity to flourish: “In just a few years, we have managed to set up seven laboratories, each of which is the best in its field,” said Bakary Coulibaly, ENVAL’s Director General. “The support of the West Africa Quality Programmes has been decisive in this success.”

From humble beginnings in 1999, when ENVAL consisted of a 50m2 hall with a capital of CFA francs 1,000,000 (around Euro 1,500), ENVAL now has some of the most important laboratories of physico-chemical and microbiological analyses – particularly for food and water – in West Africa, with a capital of CFA francs 350,000,000 (around Euro 500,000) and occupying two buildings.

UNIDO has, among other things, provided support to the laboratories in the ISO/IEC 17025 standard accreditation process by strengthening the capacities of technicians, including on metrology and audit, and by supporting the acquisition of new equipment.

Accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard confirms that laboratories are fully competent to carry out tests and calibrations, including sampling, competently and generate valid results. To date, two of ENVAL’s seven laboratories have received their accreditation. Côte d’Ivoire now has laboratories whose field of competence is broad and which can advise on quality-related problems and support the development of new products.

The benefits of the first accreditations have enabled ENVAL to expand its coverage at the national level. Through the support provided by UNIDO, ENVAL has also set up a textile analysis laboratory – the first of its kind in the sub-region – and has expended its activities to include soil, foliage and oil analysis, as well as noise and air quality measurement.

ENVAL has been able to establish partnerships with Société de Culture Bananière (SCB), Société Agricole Kablan Joubin (SAKJ), Office National de l’Eau Potable (ONEP), Carrefour Group, Société de Distribution d’Eau de Côte d’Ivoire (SODECI) and more.

“The impact of the programme is reflected in the improvement of our laboratory practices, the loyalty of our customers, and the conquest of new markets such as Carrefour,” Coulibaly said.

Matenin Cissé, Quality Manager at Carrefour, Côte d’Ivoire, said: “The reliability of the ENVAL laboratories’ analyses, the competitiveness of their testing costs, their optimal delivery times and the good management of their relationship with Carrefour explains why we have chosen this group since 2015 for the testing of our products.”

“The results of their tests allow us to have very good control of our levels of hygiene, both for our employees and equipment, leading to the expressed satisfaction of our customers who know that Carrefour provides them with healthy products. That is why we, as Carrefour Abidjan, have decided not only to advocate to our suppliers that they work directly with ENVAL to anticipate their own quality issues, but also to expand testing at our new site located in Yopougon.”

Efforts such as these can firmly anchor Africa on a path towards inclusive and sustainable industrial development and contribute to the achievement of the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III) and of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

ENVAL’s case provides a prime example of successful reinforcement of quality standards for proof of conformity and for boosting of competitiveness. These programmes highlight a commitment to the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and West Africa as well as the Africa-EU Partnership.