On the occasion of the First Edition in Côte d’Ivoire of the Italian Design Day, the conference “Rethinking Regeneration” was held today, Monday 4th May 2026, at the Sofitel – Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan. The event focused on the role of design as a tool for innovation, sustainability, and shared growth between Italy and Côte d’Ivoire.
The initiative, organized by the Embassy of Italy in Abidjan, featured the participation of Ms. Federica Sala, independent curator and Ambassador of Italian Design, who led an in‑depth reflection on the potential of contemporary design in the regeneration of objects, materials, and spaces, with particular attention to sustainability and the circular economy.
During the meeting, it was highlighted how the Italian design approach—based on quality, research, technological innovation, and attention to context—can significantly contribute to the development of sustainable solutions and to the enhancement of local resources. Design, understood as a process capable of transforming materials, reducing waste, and generating new production models, was presented as a key element in further strengthening the already excellent cooperation between Italy and Côte d’Ivoire.
Dr. Sala also illustrated two case studies of particularly innovative Italian initiatives in the field of regeneration and circular economy:
- Rice House – a company that develops sustainable construction materials derived from rice‑growing waste, reducing emissions and environmental impact.
- ReHub – a Murano-based start‑up that recycles glass and combines design and innovation through 3D printing techniques, creating new objects and furnishings from regenerated materials.
These examples demonstrated how design can become a driver of sustainable development, capable of combining creativity, technology, and environmental responsibility, offering solutions that can also be replicated in the Ivorian context.
The conference represented an important opportunity for dialogue between Ivorian and Italian professionals, fostering the exchange of experiences and the creation of new synergies in the fields of design, architecture, and innovation. The Embassy of Italy will continue to promote initiatives aimed at supporting cultural and economic cooperation, enhancing the contribution of design as a lever for inclusive growth and as a bridge between Italy and Côte d’Ivoire.
