Côte d’Ivoire turns plastic waste into classrooms with Conceptos Plásticos modular blocks

Côte d’Ivoire has found a way to tackle two challenges at once: mounting plastic waste and a shortage of suitable spaces for pupils. Using Colombian modular-block technology, the country had already put up 516 classrooms and had another 12 under construction by July 2026.

How did discarded plastic become material for schools?

The programme relies on waste collected in Abidjan and nearby communities, which is sorted and treated at a local plant. That material is then turned into light yet robust blocks, designed to slot together without requiring complex bricklaying skills.

• Plastic waste is gathered and sorted;
• Unsuitable materials, such as PVC, are removed;
• The plastic is processed and shaped into blocks;
• Components are transported to construction sites;
• The blocks are fitted together to create walls and partitions.

Why are the blocks compared to giant Lego?

Each piece has a complementary shape that lets it lock into the next, much like an oversized construction toy. Because this cuts down several stages of building work, a classroom can be assembled in a matter of weeks, whereas conventional construction can take several months.

The technology behind these recycled-plastic blocks was created by the Colombian company Conceptos Plásticos and introduced to the country through a partnership launched in 2018. The first factory of its kind in Africa was set up in Abidjan the following year.

What advantages do the materials offer to classrooms?

As well as reusing waste, the blocks are waterproof, insulating and treated to improve fire resistance. They are also lighter than traditional materials and do not conduct heat readily, helping classrooms stay cooler inside.

• Faster build times than traditional masonry;
• Lower use of cement and other raw materials;
• Reduced spending on labour and maintenance;
• Resistance to water, wind and certain pests;
• Improved thermal and acoustic insulation;
• Use of waste that would otherwise pollute streets and rivers.

How does the project also generate income for women?

Much of the plastic used is collected by women who were already working informally with waste. The project has helped to organise associations, provide training and establish safer conditions for collecting, storing and selling the material.

The factory also keeps the value created by recycling within the country itself. Rather than importing all the blocks from Colombia, as happened during the initial phase, production moved to using locally discarded plastic-turning an environmental problem into income and educational infrastructure.

Did the project really build 550 schools?

The figures publicised refer to classrooms, not 550 complete schools. A report published on 2 July 2026 recorded 516 classrooms finished, 12 under construction and more than 3,220 tonnes of plastic recycled. The original target was to reach 528 classrooms able to serve roughly 25,000 children.

The approach illustrates how a circular economy can link waste management, work and education. Just as other materials need precautions against pests that can undermine structures and furnishings, these blocks must undergo safety and durability testing. With that oversight in place, plastic that once piled up on the streets can become walls for new learning spaces.