September, 2025 - Sonata Agri International Limited

Sonata Empowers Zuénoula with New Telecom Tower: A Milestone in Rural Connectivity

Sonata Agri International marked a major milestone in its commitment to community development and digital inclusion with the inauguration of a new telecommunications tower at its agro-industrial site in Zuénoula in Côte d’Ivoire.

This initiative aims to address long-standing connectivity challenges that have affected both the company’s operations and the surrounding rural communities. Prior to the installation, residents faced weak mobile signals, frequent network outages, and limited access to mobile internet. These barriers hindered communication and the adoption of digital tools in agriculture.

“This 30-meter-high antenna provides 3G and 4G coverage within a 5 km radius. Thanks to solar energy and a dedicated generator, it guarantees continuous service availability, even in the event of a power outage,” said Nomel Guy Martin, company’s IT project manager. He highlighted the concrete improvements including full 4G coverage now available even in offices, where previously, making a call required stepping outside the building.

Designed to serve over 2,000 people across several villages in the Zuénoula sub-prefecture, the tower is equipped with advanced technology to enhance call quality, internet speed, and access to digital services. This project was made possible through a strategic partnership with a mobile network operator and the proactive involvement of Sonata Agri International, which provided the site, facilitated logistics, and collaborated closely with telecom engineers.
Sonata’s Managing Director, Mr. Sunil Bakshi, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative: “The world has changed. Today, someone in Zuénoula can earn a degree from an American university without leaving their village. This tower is a gateway to opportunity for young people, families, and workers to be connected, informed, and integrated into the digital world.”

The inauguration ceremony was attended by local administrative and customary authorities, including Mr. Ziza Kazoro, Chief of Staff and representative of the Prefect of Zuénoula, who commended Sonata’s leadership in driving this impactful CSR initiative.

Sonata Agri International located in Drikohaïfla 2, has been operational since 2020. With a workforce of 1,400 people, 90% of whom are women, the company specializes in semi-finished cashew nut processing and maintains a daily production capacity of 90 tons.

This telecom tower stands as a testament to Sonata’s dedication to sustainable development, digital empowerment, and inclusive growth in the communities it serves.

Sonata’s New Cashew Shell Nut Liquid (CNSL) Makes History

In a landmark achievement for sustainable agriculture and industrial innovation, Sonata Agri International opened its state-of-the-art Cashew Shell Nut Liquid (CNSL) plant in Côte d’Ivoire. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the global cashew industry, transforming waste into wealth and setting new standards for environmental stewardship.

A Game-Changer in Waste Management

Cashew shells, often discarded as agricultural waste, are now being repurposed into valuable products through Sonata’s CNSL plant. With an impressive 80% of cashew shells being recycled into biofuel cakes and CNSL, this initiative is a bold step towards zero wastage and a reduced carbon footprint.

This transformation aligns with Sonata’s commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles. By converting waste into eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels, Sonata is not only reducing environmental impact but also contributing to global climate goals.

Economic Empowerment for Côte d’Ivoire

Beyond its environmental benefits, the CNSL plant is poised to generate substantial economic value. The export of CNSL and biofuel cakes to petrochemical industries is expected to bring in millions in foreign exchange, boosting the local economy and creating employment opportunities for communities engaged in cashew farming.

Diverse Applications of CNSL Oil

CNSL oil is a versatile industrial resource with applications across multiple sectors:

• Paints & Varnishes: Phenolic compounds in CNSL are used to produce resins with high resistance to water, acids, and alkalis.
• Automotive & Aerospace: CNSL is a key ingredient in brake linings and clutch facings due to its frictional and heat-resistant properties.
• Agriculture: It serves as a natural pesticide and fungicide, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical treatments.
• Medical & Energy: Historically used for treating skin conditions, CNSL also holds promise as a biofuel with high energy density and low sulfur content.

Innovation in Biochemicals

Sonata’s CNSL plant also produces refined derivatives like Cardanol, Phenalkamines, and biodegradable polymers, which are used in coatings, adhesives, packaging, and healthcare. These innovations underscore the plant’s role in advancing green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing.

Recognition and Impact

The Ministry of Agriculture in Ogun State, Nigeria, recently recognized Sonata for its excellence in maintaining a robust and transparent supply chain for raw cashew nuts. This acknowledgment reinforces Sonata’s reputation as a leader in ethical and sustainable agribusiness.

A Vision for the Future

Sonata’s CNSL initiative is more than a technological breakthrough, it is a vision for a cleaner, more equitable future. By turning agricultural waste into opportunity, Sonata is empowering communities, protecting the planet, and redefining what’s possible in the cashew industry.