OHEL INTERNATIONAL – a CATAL1.5°T accelerator success story from Côte d'Ivoire
Building a sustainable future: the journey of OHEL INTERNATIONAL
In the heart of Côte d'Ivoire, OHEL INTERNATIONAL is redefining sustainable construction. Facing a growing housing shortage in her country—where middle-income citizens struggle to find affordable, quality housing—NOBOUT Aké Marina Marcialle, a commercial engineer and self-taught entrepreneur passionate about real estate and green innovation, founded OHEL INTERNATIONAL to provide sustainable construction solutions. Her company pioneers compressed and stabilized earth blocks (BTCS) to create durable and affordable low-carbon homes, tackling the crisis.
OHEL INTERNATIONAL aims to create a lasting impact in the region and beyond, as Noubout Aké Marina Marcialle, founder and CEO of OHEL International, explains: “OHEL was founded with a vision focused on sustainability and innovation to address this shortage by offering environmentally friendly and accessible alternatives.”
However, the path to success in ecological construction – a field traditionally dominated by men – was far from easy.
Overcoming barriers with resilience in a male-dominated field
As a female entrepreneur in climate innovation, NOBOUT Aké Marina Marcialle faced numerous challenges, from financing to industry biases. “It was difficult for me as a female entrepreneur to secure funding compared to my male counterparts,” she explains. She learned to overcome investor’s hesitations by building strong relationships with them, joining women entrepreneurs’ networks, and seeking grants dedicated to climate innovation.
In a male-dominated industry, her technical expertise was often questioned despite her practical knowledge and innovative approach. “In such situations, I focus on the quality of my work, surround myself with a strong support network, and showcase tangible achievements to reinforce my credibility,” she says. However, gaining access to professional networks proved to be challenging. To stand out and make sure her voice was heard, she actively attended conferences, workshops, and industry panels – ensuring that her expertise was recognised and her contributions valued.
All while navigating the demands of entrepreneurship while ensuring a fulfilling personal life. The mother of four shares her insights on how to excel in both spheres: “I set clear priorities, surround myself with dedicated individuals, delegate tasks, and make sure to take time for myself and my family.”
At CATAL1.5°T, we recognize these challenges and are committed to bridging the gap. Through tailored funding, specialized training, and a strong network of experts, mentors, and investors, we empower women like Noubout Aké Marina Marcialle to turn obstacles into opportunities and drive meaningful change in the climate innovation space.
The CATAL1.5°T impact: accelerating change
For OHEL INTERNATIONAL, joining the CATAL1.5°T Initiative was a natural choice, because it perfectly aligns with the Ivorian venture’s vision: building a more sustainable future through climate innovation. Through the programme, NOBOUT Aké Marina Marcialle gained access to specialised mentorship, industry experts, and valuable networking opportunities that helped strengthen her business model and expand her reach.
One of the most transformative aspects of the programme has been its ability to challenge her business to think bigger, more strategically, and with greater environmental impact: “The CATAL1.5°T programme has strengthened my knowledge of climate change through enriching in-person and online training. Beyond the technical aspects, it has given me a better understanding of the strategic challenges of the low-carbon transition.”
With support from CATAL1.5°T, OHEL INTERNATIONAL is strengthening its pioneering work with BTCS, positioning itself as a key player in the ecological construction sector. . By integrating these innovative materials, the company significantly reduces reliance on cement, a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions. This sustainable approach saves approximately 2,072 kgCO₂eq per two-bedroom house, demonstrating that green construction can be both environmentally responsible and economically viable.
“Who better than us”– women as the key to climate innovation
For NOBOUT Aké Marina Marcialle, success is not just about business growth – it is about creating opportunities for other women in climate innovation. Gender inclusion is not just a matter of social justice but also a strategic lever for OHEL's efficiency and impact, integrating these values into the practices and policies, strengthening the commitment to a more equitable and sustainable society.
Her advice to young women entering male-dominated industries is clear: believe in yourself, persevere, and never let stereotypes hold you back. For her, they are the key to truly sustainable impact:
“Women are directly affected by environmental issues: access to water, waste management, and sustainable housing. Who better than us to design and implement solutions that truly meet the needs of our communities? Engaging in green entrepreneurship means taking control of our future and that of generations to come.”
A vision for the future
Looking ahead, OHEL INTERNATIONAL aims to scale its sustainable construction solutions across West Africa, making eco-friendly housing more accessible while continuing to empower women in construction and climate entrepreneurship.
At CATAL1.5°T, we are proud to be part of OHEL’s inspiring journey and being able to support them. They show sustainable and affordable housing is not just a vision – it’s a reality in the making.
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